F 74 
I .B14 
I B17 

Copy 1 



No. 1 05. 

LIBRARY of 

Cape Cod 

HISTORY & GENEALOGY 

BARNSTABLE 
TOWN RECORDS 



» 




C. W. SWIFT, Publish«sr and Printer, 

Yarmouthport, Mass.: 

1910. 




BARNSTABLE 
TOWN RECORDS 

Rebound in June, 1847, per order Imp, A grant of a great lot to Wm 

of the Selectmen — Nathaniel Hinck- Dimock, &c, also an order bearing 

ley, Daniel Basset, Thomas Stetson, date 13th Jany 1641, Impouering 

Jr. — Ferdinand G. Keliey, town clerk. Thomas Lothrop and Barnard Lum- 

barde to be Land Measurers, to lay 

The 14th of Oct., 1649: out all ye lands which ye several In- 
Ordered by ye Inhabitants That habitants are to have laid out and to 
Henry Cob, Isaac Robinson, Thomas bound them with stakes sufficient 
Lothrop and Thomas Hinckley, do and to have Id per acre for ye up- 
peruse ye old Town Book and record land and 2d per acre for ye marsh 
such material useful orders, as they ye parties whose land is to be laid 
find therein into this book and ye out being to accompany ye measur- 
rest of ye old book to be cancelled ers. Also, under date ye, 20th of 
by them. 3d mo 1640 that no Inhabitant within 
At a meeting of ye inhabitants of the this Plautation shall make sale of 
town of Barnstable June 1736 — Then his house or any of his land, before 
^■oted that ye old Town Book as to he hath offered it to ye inhabitants 
ye articles contained in ye same to and in case ye Plantation buy it, then 
lie of future use, be transcribed by to provide a purchaser whome ye 
ye Town Clerk into a new Book, to town shall approve of and if ye Town 
be procured by him with as much do not provide a chapman in two 
speed as conveniently may. months, he may sell to whome he 
Barnstable Town Book Anno 1736 will" 

bought pr. David Crocker, Town Also, an order bearing date ye 5th 
v^lerk. L. S. pretrium 3 12 of .January 1643 that ye Commons 
This 18th of Feb. 1658, at a meet- shall belong to ye present Inhabi- 
ing of Thomas Hinckley, Henry Cob, tants and to whom ye town shall see 
Isaac Robinson and Thomas Lothrop, fitt, which Inhabitants then on ree- 
fer perusing ye old town book and ord were as followeth on ye next 
recording such material, useful orders Leafe of this book, 
as they find therein into this Town The 28th July 1662, ordered that 
Book cancelling ye rest according to Thomas Hinckley Ensighn Bernard 
an order bearing date Octr 15, 1649. Lumbarde, Trustrum Hull, Thomas 
In perusing whereof, they find as Lothrop are empouered by ye Town 
followeth, viz, to attend ye coming of Mr Alden 



/^f 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 



and Major Winslow about ye grant 
of our Enlargement at South Sea 
to make provision for them and to 
act with them as ye matter may re- 
quire and the Town to bear ye 
charges thereof as also to make ye 
best plea they can in any controver- 
sy that may arise between the In- 
dians and this town. 

At a town meeting the 3d of Octo- 
ber 1662 

ordered and agreed by ye town that 
the sones of all ye present inhabi- 
tants shall successively be received 
as Inhabitants and Allowed equal 
Town Privileges In the Commons 
and such other Privileges as belong 
to the present Inhabitants as a Town- 
ship at ye day of their marriage or 
the age of Twenty four years which 
shall happen first and it is further 
agreed that these following.be admit- 
ted" Inhabitants, 
John Rowland 
James Cob 
Samll Fuller 

son of Samll Fuller Sr 
Daniel Stueart 
Jabez Lumbard 
Eduard Lewes 
Thomas Lumbard 
Thomas Ewer 
John Sergeant 
Samll Fuller 

son of Lefft Fuller 
Joseph Benjamin 
John Lewes 
John Crocker 
Caleb Lumbart 
Samll Bacon 



James Hamblin 
Samll Hicks .- 
Edward Coleman 
Samll Norman 
Nicholas Bonam 

1666 
Dolar Davis 
Jedediah Lumbart 
Samll Annable 
Nathaniel Goodspeed 
Samll Hinkley 
Joseph Hallet 
Meletiah Lothrop 
John Phinney 

<J''"- Otis 
John Fuller 

Ye 25 of June 1657. ordered by ye 
Inhabitants yt Bernard Lumbard 
Thomas Lothrop, Thomas Hinkley & 
John Smith be authorized by ye Town 
with full power to act In Issuring ye 
Difference lying in Dependance be- 
tween this Town and the Indians at 
South Sea, either by Referring it to 
two Magistrates or otherwise as in 
yr best discretion they conceiue may 
be most beneficial to ye Town and 
ye Town to bear ye charges thereof 

Whereas Nathaniel Bacon, Thomas 
Huckens, Thomas Lewes «5; Nicholas 
Davis upon an agreement between 
them and Yarmouth men about ye 
running ye line at sea between them 
and this town made choice of Mr 
Thomas Prince Esq. Richard Higgins 
of Eastham & Richard Chadwell & 
Richard Bourne of Sandwich to issue 
ye sd. difference of the line, this 
Town doth approve ye same and In- 
trust ye aforesd men viz: Nathaniel 



\J 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 



Bacon Sr, to procure it done. '" 
23d Feb 1662, at a Town meeting 
Ordered that Natlianiel Bacon & Tris- 
tram Hull shall joyn with those 
whom ye Court shall appoynt for ye 
purchasing Yannos Lands for Com- 
mons for ye Town & to take ye 
First opportunity they can for the 
effecting thereof & ye Town to pay 
ye purchase 

The names of ye Inhabitants 
of Barnstable 
Abraham Blish 
Thomas Shane 
John Crocker 
Doller Davis 
William Betts 
Robert Sherley 
Thomas Hatch 
John Cooper 
Austin Bearse 
William Crocker 
Henry Bourn 
Henry Coggin 
Laurence Litchfield 
James Hamblin — 
James Cudworth 
Thomas Hinkley 
Isaac Robinson 
Samll Jackson 
Thomas Allin 
Mr John Mayo 
Mr John Bursley. 
John Casly 
William Casly 
Robert Lynnel 
Thomas Lothrop 
Thomas Lumbard 
John Hall (or Hull) 
Henry Rowley 



Isaac Nells 

John Smith 

George Lewes 

Edward FittsRandle 

Bernard Lumbarde 

Roger Goodspeed 

Henry Cob 

Thomas Huckens 

John Scudder 

Samuel Mayo 

Nathaniel Bacon 

Richard Foxwell 

Thomas Dimocke 

Samll Hinkley 

Also, it was farther ordered that the 

Commons were Intayled to ye House 

Lotts. 

pr nos. 

Thomas Hinkley 

Henry Cob 

Isaac Robinson 

Thomas Lothrop 
also an order bearing date 26th 1st 
month 1640. It is ordered and agreed 
by ye general consent of ye Inhabi- 
tants, that ye lands within this plan- 
tation, both meddows and upland 
shall be divided by this rule viz, one 
third part to every house Lot equally. 
One third to ye number of names yt 
are immovable and ye other third 
according to men's estates 
August 26, 1644. 

Witness these presents that I, Surunk, 
an Indian, now dwelling at South' 
Sea, do sell and make over unto ye 
Town of Barnstable all ye sd lands 
an meddow. Lying betwixt ye bounds 
(of Sandwich?) and ye bounds of 
Piexit, another Indian, in considera- 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

tion of four coats & three axes in Witness Thomas Hinkley 

witness whereof I have hereunto Mark W TaHominous 

set my hand ye day and year above "An Agreement made this 17th day 

'written. of May 1648, between Panpmannuck 

The mark of Serunk. with ye consent of his brother and 

Witness all ye rest of his Associates on one 

Thomas Dimmock part & Capt Myles Standish In ye 

The Mark of (A) Anthony Annable. behalf of ye Inhabitants of Barnsta- 

Henry Cob ble on ye other part as followeth 

John Smith viz, "That Paupunmuck has sold all 

Thomas Allen his lands in Bl "facing upon ye Sea 

Laurence Willis. commonly called ye South Sea but- 

This is a true coppy taken ting home" bounded by Yanno's land 

out of ye original deed. Com- Eastuard, running westerly "a little 

pared and entered, Ita: Attest beyond a brook called ye first Her- 

Thos Hinkley, Scriba & Ass- ing Brook," Northward bounded by 

istt — Nepoyetums Sequnnucks land ex- 

At a town meeting ye 15th of May cepting thirty acres reserved for him- 

165a, ordered by ye Inhabitants yt self, his brother and Associates for 

their Deputies with such other two brass kettles, one bushel of In- 

Townsmen as go to Court, dian corn, and one half part of so 

shall have power to commit much fence as will fence in the re- 

ye issuing of ye Difference Depend- served thirty acres, reserving also 

ing between themselves and ye In- the right freely to hunt in the 

dians as also the setling of ye bounds lands sold, with certain re- 

of yr. lands to yr. Determination of strictions as to trapping so as not 

Capt Standish or Mr, Hatherly. to hurt cattle thereby. Myles Stand- 

7th :\Iarch 1647, Thomas Dimock & ish signs the deed and Thomas Hin- 

Isaac Robinson for town, concluded ckley witnesses it, 

an agreement with Nepoyetum, "who By subsequent agreement, Paup- 

rests himself fully satisfied for sd munnucke waives the stipulation to 

land for and in consideration of build half the fence and the bushel 

their making him three score rod of of Indian Corn & agrees to receive 

fence in ye Range of ye General instead "one great brass kettle of 

Fence which goeth to Stony Cove seven spans in wideness round about 

near unto a certain parcel of land & one broad" to be paid within the 

which the s'd Nepoyetum possesseth, twelvemonth. He also acknowledges 

and of two coats & one Day's ploy- the westerly bounds to be "half way 

ing In breaking up of Ground already to Seckonefset Town, where the 

in hand paid" place where the Indians now inhabit 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

& reaching across over the sea & wich and Barnstable, unto the sd. 
taking in a part of Nope Island Inhabitants of Barnstable to their 
where ye plantation now is." proper use and behoof forever 

The execution of this instrument is against any claimes by them or any 
as follows — other Indians whatsoever; also it is 

hands farther agreed that it shall be free 

The Mark of Paupmunnucke for either Indians or English to fetch 

Witness Henry Cob such Alewives for their use as they 

Jonathan Hatch Isaac Robinson shall take in sd. River, the sd. Pawp- 
"An agreement made this 1.5th of mumucke and his associates do also 
May 1658. In ye presence and with hereby acknowledge themselves fully 
ye help of Mr.John Alden &Capt. and quietly satisfied & contented 
Josias Winslow (appointed thereto forever without any farther troubles, 
by ye. Court touching a difference binding themselves to keep the for- 
between ye inhabitants of Barnsta- mer conditions about their setting 
ble & Paupmunnucke with the other trapps and all ye proflaises aforesd. 
Indians his associates, about certain In witness whereof, they have here- 
lands purchased of ye said Indians unto set their hands 
In former contracts bearing Date ye The mark of Paupmumucke 

17th of May 1648 & ye 7th of Feb- The mark of Moash 

ruary 1648 viz That the sd. Paup- The mark of Wampum 

munnucke Moash Wampum and the Witness John Alden 
rest of their Associates, have fully Josias Winslow 

and absolutely resigned up all their Charles is my name 

right title & clayme which any or This 21 of May 1658, the line be- 
all of them have or can make for tween us and ye Indians aforesd, 
themselves or any others their asso- was accordingly set from a pine tree 
ciates In all and every part of those at the East side of sd aforesd field, 
lands exprest in any of sd. former only making a set of Northwestward 
contracts excepting the thirty acres to a bound markt tree, leaving the 
of land expressed in ye former con- skirts of Good Land about ye sd Co- 
tract dearing date ye 17th of May tuite alias Santuite'Ponde to ye In- 
16 1G48 lying at a neck called Coi- dians according to yr. Desire, Rich- 
aihoiset, and all the lands lying to ye ard Bourn of Sandwich being pres- 
Westuard of Coituite River & the ent according to ye desire of Mr. 
Westward of a Northwest line Run- John Alden & Capt Josias Winslow. 
ning from ye Easterly side of ye Ita Attest Thomas Hinkley 

next plainting field to Santuite Pond Scriba 

lying on ye Easterly side of said "Thomas Hinkley 

River unto ye Bounds between Sand- On ye 19th of July 1664 Yanno. Sa- 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

chem sold to Nathaniel Bacon & by his father to the agents 
Tristram Hull in ye behalf and for ye of the town of Barnstable 
use of ve town of Barnstable all that Barnstable for the use of the town. 
his tract of land at South sea lying in case they should repay the pur- 
all that his tract of land at chase money and charge thereof to 
South sea lying within the him the said, Thomas Hinkley "sign- 
precincts of Barnstable, ed sealed & D.D. 
for the use of the town, mark 
bounded Easterly by ye bounds of Jobn Yanno 
Yarmouth, Northerly by ye lands In presence of 
that was bought of Nepoyetum & Joseph Glover 
Westerly, by ye lands bought of Thomas Hinkley Junr 
Paupmumucke, excepting the skirts Joseph Mattock, Interpreter 
of ^ood land about the Cove, bound- Oct. 10th 1680, Thomas Hinkley be- 
ed"^ &c. (excepting what he hath ing fully satisfied, released the above 
already given to Nicholas Davis) & premises to the Town of Barnstable 
"excepting only liberty by him given Ita Attest David Crocker, Town 
to any of ye inhabitants of Barnsta- Clerk. 

ble if their occasions require to set By deed of Oct. 11th 1666, John 
up any warehouse or warehouses or Quason of Monymoict claiming to 
Docks in any convenient place about have, by "testimony of certain In- 
ye head of ye Cove with free egress dians," "cleared his claim (as it is 
and regress thereunto" — "in con- said) to certain lands Lying and be- 
sideration of twenty pounds & two ing in the common field in ye pre- 
small breeches to me in hand pd. by cincts of Barnstable" by deed grant- 
Sd. Tristram Hull, with warrantee ed and confirmed to Keneeompsit 
against any Indians whatsoever Lay- that tract of the said land which was 
ing any lawful claim thereunto." given his father by Nepoytum, 
The Mark of Yanno ^^^^ to the town of Barnstable, all his 

Witness right and title in the lands sold them 

Thomas Wallet' Junr hy Nepoyetum, and also freely gave 

The mark of (H) Indian Will ^^^ granted to Aquannueton, the 

In presence of Thomas Hinkley Asstn wife of Indian John, sixteen acres of 
Sept. 27th 1680, John Yauno, Indian the same tract, reserving to himself 
of Gayhead at Nope Island, eldest onl>' the residue of said lands, being 
son and heir of Yarmo Sachem of ye about 34 acres which was left by 
South Sea in Barnstable late " de- Nepoyetum indisposed of being all the 
ceased, bargained & sold to Thomas ^^^^ "^ Banistable, he, Quason in 
Hinckley Senior for 28 shillings re- ^^'^y ^^J's claimed, 
ceived of him the tract of land sold The mark of John Quason 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

"Witness Francis Saugamore of possessed with, witliin tUis township, 

Nausiat the bounds of sd. Lands being pub- 

Sachemus of Saqutuckitt lickly Declared in the Town Meeting 

In presence of me Thomas Hink- and Approved shall be Recorded in 
ley. Assistant the Town Book to be ye Lands of 

"Memorandum each possessor tliereof & do by these 

That it afterwards appeared that presents Order and Declare, that the 
ye sd. John Quason was a Usurper Record thereof as aforesd, to be suf- 
and had no Right to yn Lande ficient security to claim hold and Re- 
above mentioned & did make satis- tain full and lawful Right, title and 
faction to Joseph Hollit & some oth- Interest to them and their heirs for 
ers to whom he sold some of those ever of all and every such parcel or 
Lands, the said Lands of right be- parcels of lands possessed by them 
longing unto ye aforementioned and Recorded as aforesaid" 
Aquanneton, alias Sarah, Daughter p. 23 11th of Feb, 1674, "To John 
and heir of sd Nepoyetum Otis, a parcel of Marsh" was con- 

Ita attest pi-eedict, firmed by the Examiners of titles ie" 

Thomas Hiukley Men appointed by ye town to Exam- 
"This 26th of June 1654, Henry Cob, ine evidences of Mens lands to be 
Abraham Blush, John Phinney, Wil- Recorded" — 

liam Crocker & Nathaniel Bacon p. 2.5 "Ordered that Thomas Hinck- 
were chosen by ye Town for Examin- ley, Mr. Gorham (John) John Davis 
ing evidence of land according to and James Lewes or ye major part 
Court order 10 of June 1654 of them be Impowered to buy a cer- 

"8th of January 1657 tain tract of land of Kenecompsitt 

Whereas the Inhabitants of this or whosoever else shall appear to 
town took into yr. Serious Consider- them to be the true proprietor there- 
ation the great trouble and confu- of the said land lying at South sea 
sion that hereafter may ensue for between Yannoth line & the lands 
want of recording such sundry parcel heretofore of Nicholas Davis & to 
or parcels of land, given and granted Lye for ye Towns Commons: ye 
to certain particular men, within this Town, being to pay ye purchase 
Township, for prevention of which thereof at a town meeting this 30th 
foresd Trouble & Confusion the sd of Nov. 1635 (?) 

Inhabitants have therefore at a full Probably error in copying date, as, 
town meeting ye day and year above on Oct 13 1675, Kineecompsit In- 
written, with full consent ordered dian of Mattakeese, in consideration 
and agreed as followeth viz. that of five pounds paid him by the above 
whatsoever parcel or parcels of named persons, as agents for the 
lands any man hath & is at present town of Barnstable a tract at South 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

sea, bounded on the East by the line siderably conveyancing 
of Yarmouth, south by Yanno's Har- At a town meeting on ye 5th of 

hour, west by Nicholas Davis' land April 1670 

and north by land Yanno sold to "It is ordered by ye Town that all ye 

Barnstable. common meddow as yet undisposed 

acknowledged before me Thom- within this township shall: from time 

as Hinkley assistant to time, perpetually be & lye for 

Kenecompsit common to and for 

his ye common use of the present inhabi- 

mark tants whose names are hereunder re- 

(B) corded to ye sons of all ye aforemen- 

"In presence of tioned inhabitants successively as 

Joseph Lothrop they shall grow qualified According 

Sanill Hinkley to a former order bearing date 3d of 

At same date before same personal- Octoberl662 and to ye successors 
ly appeared Indian Ned of Saque- of such inhabitants as aforesd who 
tucket, & acknowledged relinquish- shall purchase and buy out ye whole 
Ing all his right, title and claim in & right of such respective Inhabitants 
unto sd. tract of land. The Inhabitants that are on record 

Many of first settlers sign by a as aforesaid, are as followeth, viz, 
mark — Thos Share, George Lewes, (1670) 
Joshua Lumberd Thomas Hinkley 

p.32 Mr Nathl Bacon 

June 30, 1685. Committees of Barn- Mr Thomas Walley Sr 
stable & Sandwich settled "center Mr Henry Cob 
Bounds", beginning at "a pretty bigg Mr John' Chipman 
Stone, set with one end in the Cap. Matthew Fuller 
ground" Lieut Joseph Lothrop 

April 20,1668 Kenecompsit, with Ensign Bernard Lumbart 
consent and approbation of Thomas Mr John Gorum 
Hinkley & Nathaniel Bacon, appoint- Anthony Annable 
ed thereunto by authority of court, John Cooper 
sold James Lewes blacksmith, Ed- Henry Bourn 
ward Lewes & .lohn Lewes a piece Austin Bearse 
of land at Mattakeese containing Thomas Share 
about 7 acres. Robert Sherley 

Oct 20, 1777. Monohoo, Indian sells James Hamlin Senr 
Rev. Thomas about 3 acres of land, Abraham Blish 
p. 36 acknowledged before T. H. as- William Crocker 
sistant who seems to have done con- Mr. Thomas Allin. 

8 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 



William Casly 

Thomas Lothrop. 

Roger Goodspeed 

Thomas Huckens 

John Scudder 

Mr Thomas Dexter 

John Davis 

John Thompson 

Ralph Jones 

Henry Taylor 

Robert Davis 

Nicholas Davis 

Robert Parker 

Samll Fuller Senr 

Peter Blossom 

Moses Rowley 

John Phinney Sr^ 

Thomas Lewes 

George Lewes -' 

Joshua Lumbart Sr 

James Lewes 

David Linnell 

John Jenkins 

Mr*'William Serjeant 

Barnabas Lothrop 

William Dexter 

James Claghorn 

John Rowland ' 

Edward Lewes 

James Hamlin Jr 

James Cob 

John Crocker 

Samll., son of Samll 

Fuller. Samll son of Capt Fuller 

Edward Coleman 

Thomas Lumbert 

Jabez Lumbert 

John Lewes 

Caleb Lumbart 

Samuel Norman 



Shobal Dimock 
Nathl FittsRandle 
Dollar Davis 
Saml Hinckley 
John Phinney Jr 
Nathll Goodspeed 
Jedediah Lumbard 
Samuel Allen 
Joseph Hallet 
John Otis 
Samuel Annable 

John Fuller 
Melatiah Lothrop 
William Troop 
Samuel Hous 
Edward Taylor 
Mark Ridley 
John Hinkley 
John Hamlin 
Job Crocker 
Josiah Crocker 
John Goodspeed 
^Irs Lothrop wid 
Widow Lewes 
Widdow Lumbard 

The heirs of Mr Henry Bursley, Deed 
23 Feb. 1670 
John Huckens 
Nathl Bacon 
Bartholomew Hamblin 
Benjamin Lumbart 
14th May 1674 
Isaac Chapman 

(admitted in his Grandfather Wells' 
Right) 

16th July 1674, were entered 
Joseph Blish 
James Gorum 
John Bursley 
Eleazer Hamlin . 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 



Cap. John Allyn 

John Davis Jr 

John Gorham 

5 May 1677 

Sam 11 Hinckley Junr 

Joseph Berse 

Benjamin Goodspeed 

Dec. 1678 

John Fuller Junr 

Thomas Huckens Junr 

Israel Hamlin 

Joseph Crocker 

Eleazer Cob 

Samll Sergeant 

Samuel Bryant 

Richard Childs 

18 May 1687 

John Barker 

Admitted a Townsman 
18 August 
Allyn Nichols 
Eleazer Crocker 
Joseph Bodfish 
12 May 1682 
Thomas Hinkley 
Ebenezer Goodspeed 
23 May 1683. Samuel Cob & Jona- 
than Cob admitted Townsmen 
14 Feb'y 1683 Mr Jonathan Russell, 
Jeremiah Bacon, Benjamin Lothrop, 
James Bearse & .Tames Coleman were 
admitted Townsmen 

Com. appointed to agree with 
John Davis Jr about his piece of 
swamp by ye Highway for a water- 
ing place for the neighboring cattle, 
by giving him other land in ex- 
change not above four or five acres. 
Doller Davis admitted Townsman. 
1684 (Aug. 7) 



7th Jan. 1684 John Glover do 
13th May 1685, Samll Parker & In- 
crease Clap do 

12 May 1687, Jedediah Jones, Sam- 
uel Lothrop, John Bacon, Benjamin 
Hinckley, Samll Baker & Matthew 
Fuller do. 

May 12 1691 Mr Samuel Annable, 
John Lewes, Samuel Allen do & 
Mr Samuel Baker, Jonathan Crocker, 
Alkin Nichols & Samuel Annable 
propounded freemen 
May 29, 1689 James Pain, Samll Lew- 
es, Eleazer Lewes, James Lewes, 
John Phinney, Edward Coleman, 
John Crocker, Thomas Jenkins, Bar- 
nabas Lothrop, ye son of Bar« 
nabas Lothrop, Thomas Fuller, Hen- 
ry Cob, Thomas Allyn, Joseph Smith, 
were admitted Townsmen. 
Aug 1689, Thomas Dimock, Josiah 
Davis, Joseph Davis ye son of Rob- 
ert Davis, and Joshua Lumbert Junr 
do 

Aug 26 do Elisha Pain & Jabez Ful- 
ler do 

Feb 19, 1689-90 John Dimmuck & 
Thoma^ Lumbard do 
May 15 1690 Benjn Davis propounded 
to be a Townsman and by silence ad- 
mitted thereto 

Sept 30 1691 Ebenezer Lewis 
Jan 14. 1691, John Lothrop, son of 
Mr Barnabas Lothrop, Thomas Blos- 
som, James Hamlin, Robert Clag- 
horn, Ebenezer Hamlin, Stephen 

■ Dexter, Shubal Goreham, Phillips 
Dexter, & Thomas Parker, admitted 

, Townsmen 
Feb 4, Bernard Lumbart, Joseph 

10 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Phinney, Jedediah Lumbart, Raly mons granted him also, about 4 
Jones & Jonathan Linnel, do acres of "marsh meddow in some 

March 4, 1691, Isaac Taylor, Mat- convenient place" 
thew Jones. John Dunham, John 16th December 1702, Joseph Nichols 
Jssum, Shobal Goreham, do. admitted Townsman; Benj Good- 

April 6, 1692, John Jenkins ac- speed, son of Eben Goodspeed do: 
cepted do. At a town meeting ye 12th of May 

Oct. 28, 1696 "Ebenezer Phinney & 1682, Ensign Bernard Lumbart, 
Benjamin Lewes admitted Towns- Xathl Bacon, James Cob were made 
man" choice of by ye town to take notice 

Oct 30 "Thomas Phinney do. of ye. bounds between Yarmouth 

March 14, 1694-5 Thomas Phinny and this Town 
Jonathan Hamlin, & Thomas Bump and Elder John Chipman & Ensign 
do John Rowland & Serjeant John Ful- 

Aprli 11, 169.".. Shubal Claghorn, ler, to take of ye bounds between 
Thomas Crocker, Samll Crocker & Sandwich and this Town 
Hope Lothrop admitted Townsmen p 50 Com. appointed about water 

John Bodfish .Jr. Benjamin Lum- or wind mill 1684 wh. Gov. Hinkley, 
bart, Samll Phinney, Thomas Crock- Mr Barnabas Lothrop, Jeremiah Ba- 
er (son of Dea Job Crocker), Benja- con & Mr Samll Allen engage to 
min Fuller, Samuel Hamlin, Shobal build ie "a substantial Windmill and 
Howland,_ John Rowland, Nathll Ba- set -her up in some convenient place" 
con, entered Townsmen 17th of May p.,57 Jan 19, 1686 projected wind- 
1700 mill on Cobb's Hill or "old M. H. 

Thomas Lothrop (son of Capt Hill 
Joseph Lothrop) Joseph Bodfish Jr, 24th June 1785. Barnabas Lothrop 
Jonathan Lewes (son of George Inpowered to act as their agent re- 
Lewis), Benjamin Berse, Enatred specting ye answer of ye Towns Pre- 
Townsman 12th of May 1702. sentment concerning Jones . River 

Isaac Hamlin do. 28th of May 1702 Bridge 

James Gorham & John Crocker (son Gov Hinckley and the same to act 
of Dea Job Crocker) do. 1704 as the Town's agents for ye search- 

Dec. 16th 1702, Joseph Nichols ad- ing of ye Court Records for ye find- 
mitted Townsman ing out ye Court grant of ye Town- 

Benjamin Goodspeed, son of Eben ship "& try to rectify any defect in 
Goodspeed do. " the same. 

Aug 13, 1663 (p,1301,"Mr. Thomas Feb. 11 1686-7 the whole concerns 
Walley was voted to be accepted as a of the mill left altogether to discre- 
townsman here amongst us" tion of Mr Barnabas Lothrop & 

Six acres of ground in the Com- Mr. Samuel Allin (p. 52) 

11 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

do appears Joseph Lothrop was to Indian owners 
Clerk-1686 Feb. 25, 1690-1, voted to sell 40. 

Feb.1,1687 to grant 8 or 10 acres or 50 pounds worth of the Commons 
of upland at ye River by John Good- towards defraying expenses of send- 
speed's & ye benefit of ye stream if ing to England for a charter, & Na- 
he put up a fulling mill & full & nniel Bacon, Lieut James Lewis, Capt 
dress ye Town's cloth at reasonable Lothrop, Deacon Job Crocker, Mr 
prices, (see p. 59 for undertakers John Otis, Mr Samll Hinkley Senr 
of) & Lieut John Rowland a Com. "to 

March & April, 1686 County Road, effect the end aforesd" 
from Sandwich to Yarmouth was laid March 11 , confirmed that action 
out by a jury of 16 men — 40 feet — "& voted to venture about thirty 
wide pounds, for ye end aforesaid if there 

p. 55 Covenant of wind mill Com. were likelihood to effect j'e same." 
with Thomas Pain Senr of Eastham "At a Town Meeting Jan. 14, 1691, 
to build one — Feb. 16,1687 named for ye purpose "it was agreed 

June 1,1688. John Gorham, Jabez that seven men be now chosen as a 
Lumbert & Nathaniel Bacon chosen committee to determine" "to whom 
to be land measurers. and how much every mans right" in 

May 29, 1689, the Town voted that the common meddow is:" "and 
all ye common meddow belonging 'to such of j^e Inhabitants as judge them- 
ye Town be divided to them whom selves injured by such determination 
of risht it doth belong. they shall have liberty to choose 

June 1, 1688 Town granted to Lieut one Indifferent man and ye sd Com- 
James Lewes & Nathaniel Bacon all mittee another & they to choose a 
the Coman thatch; goose grass or third if they two agree not to make 
sedge yt. grows upon ye flats below a final determination of such right 
j^e beech between Huckens Creek & claimed by them or to have their 
Stony Cove Creek, so long as they liberty to try their title at law: ye 
maintain a sufficient pound for the sd Committee to have Respect in 
towns use their Determination to Common Equ- 

Febl9 1689-90. voted to chuse a ity & former orders of this Town as 
Com. of seven men to determine to much as may be." 

whom of right ye commons are to "The above written was chosen a 
be divided to clear vote in ye affirmative & their 

March 16.1689. Bernard Lumbart, was chosen Governour Hinkley, Capt 
aged about 82, deposed that abt. 20 Goreham, Mr, John Otis. Samll Hink- 
yrs last past Mr.Hinkley, Mr. Bacon ley, Samll Chipman, Eleazer Crock- 

& I\Ir Gorham were appointed by the er Mr.Barnabas Lothrop and John 

Town to soil lands in Bl. belonging Hinkley had each of them thirteen 

12 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

votes apiece, so that ye two last men adjoining to ye land he bought of ye 
had an equal vote: at last there did Town before at ye same price pr 
appear two men that had not voted acre as that was, for his convenience 
as was said, which when they had jn building; but several persons did 
voted, there fell two votes more to protest against it & much dissatis- 
John Hinkley, so with them two fjed about, 
votes he had fifteen votes. It was put to vote for Mr.Russell 

Feb.4 1691. "Voted by ye Town to and Bartholomew Hamlin to have 
choose a new Committee of nine men three acres of land by ye land of 
& they or ye major part of them to Allin Nichols, but very few hands lift 
determine who have right in ye com- up & ye contrary vote being called 
mon marsh or meddow of this Tov/n no hands lift up as I saw. 
& what & how much shall be each "An Indian named Black Daniel had 
man's just rights therein according liberty to sell his lands to any of ye 
to ye former order that ye Committee inhabitants of this Town." 
of seven men were to do, bearing Mch 23-1792, "Mr Barnabas Loth- 
date Jan 14 1691 rop, James Gorham, Ensign Shobal 

The men were chosen for ye new Dimock & Lieut Jalnes Lewis were 
Committee, their names are as fol- chosen by ye town to manage ye af- 
loweth viz. Govemour Hinkley, En- fairs of ye Common Field. Respect- 
sign Shobal Dimock, Capt John Gore- ing such orders as may conduce to 
ham, Samll Hinkley Senr, Melatiah ye Common good of ye proprietors 
Lothrop, Mr. Barnabas Lothrop, Mr. thereof. 

John Otis & Lieut James Lewes & The orders made by whome were 

in ye choice of committee there was presented to the Court of Quarter 
Lieut. John Howland, Edward Lewes Sessions March 23,1603 & Confirm- 
and Eleazer Crocker that had an ed 

equal vote, being just 26 votes apiece Orders approved page 66— 

& the Town voted them all to joyn —providing for fences, for exclusion 
with ye eight men before named to of all but working cattle from March 
make up ye sd committee & so all ye lo to Oct. 15: impounding of beasts 
eleven men above mentioned to act improperly intruding: choice of hay- 
as a committee to accomplish ye end wards any — «B:c — 

aforesaid" March & April 1691. John Gor- 

March 4,1691 voted that Josias Da- ham, Nathl Bacon and John Otis 
vis & Henry Cob. or any body else sold several parcels of land (8) in 
should have liberty to purchase lands pursuance of the vote of the town to 
of ye Indians in ye Common Field" raise money to defray expenses of 

June 1, 1692 Town voted to sell procuring the Charter- 
John Phinney Jun. an acre of land Oct 15. 1666 John Phinney. for him- 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

self and others, brethren of the by ye late Committee bearing date 

Church of Barnstable, who some time ye 30th of January 1693-4, Im 

since invited Mr William Serjeant to Thomas Huckens, Feb.12,1693-4 Then 
have the benefit of his labors follow 55 others, among whom are 
amongst them sold sd Senjeant cer- Thomas Hinkley & Shubal Gorham. 
tain premises— 29th July 1696. Selectmen* shall 

pp. 79, 80 Kenecompsit, with con- notify those of Yarmouth they wd. 
sent of Thos. Hinkley & Nathaniel run the line as the bounds were for- 
Bacon, Guards, sells certain small merly fixed by the trees already 
parcels of land at Mattakeese. marked; "otherwise, they shall not 

January 30,1693 the Committee of act upon that account, we having en- 
eleven made their report not signed joyed it by these bounds neer about 
by G. Hinkley of division of Com- 50 years." 

mon Meddow — The ministry was al- *First time I find word "Select- 
lotted 6 acres, Thomas Higgins & 8 men" mentioned. 

or 4 others had 7: Mr Thos Hink- Dec. 16, 1696 voted that ":\Ir Otis 
ley (who heads the list) had 4: Shu- should have a piece of upland of 
bal Gorham, 1: T^athl Bacons heirs, forty foot square Lying at Rendez- 
3: Cap. John Gorham, 4 John Otis, vous Creek." — "with liberty to erect 
in Rowley's right, 1: in his own right, a warehouse on ye same." "to remarin 
5 — about 430 or 440 acres, to 161 per- to sd. Otis, his heirs and assigns, so 
sons or parties In their own right or long as it shall be improved for ye 
by purchase or successn above sd. namely to erect & contin- 

Feb.8 1793, voted "that all persons ue a warehouse." 
that are dissatisfied in reference to Page 89, proceedings (Octo 30,1696) 
what ye late Committee hath done as to arbitration in reference to the 
In order to ye division of ye com- shares of those dissatisfied with the 
mon marsh shall appear to ye Town proportion of common meddows as- 
Clerk and their enter their names as signed them by the Committee, un- 
parties agrieved that so they may der vote of Jan 14 1691, "which town 
have their remedy, which entry shall do explain to be that arbitrators so 
be made within fourteen days and chosen shall have power to confirm, 
all who shall neglect so to do, shall alter or amend as they shall see 
forever hereafter be without any cause; so that they shall proceed to 
remedy." (pp. 84-5) make a final settlement of the sd 

p. 86 "Here follows a list of ye Commons by way of division, The 
names of those persons that found aggrieved parties above made choice 
themselves aggrieved and unsatisfied of Major Mayhew of Edgartown and 
with ye division of ye Common the Committee above made choice of 
marsh or Meddow as it was divided Mr. Samuel Sprague of Marshfield 

14 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

for to arbitrate and determine as appointed as the time of putting in 
above sd with all convenient speed claims before the arbitrators "about 
ye above. 10 of the clock at Melatiah Loth- 

Also, voted by the Town, by full con- rops house." Desired and voted that 
sent Esq. Lothrop, Mr Hinkley, Mr Otis 

Jan 12, 1696-7 voted that the and Mr. Daniel Parker should con- 
charge shall be paid by each pro- sider & draw up something to pro- 
prietor according to his several pro- pose and lay before ye Town in or- 
portion which shall be allowed by der to ye more ready carrying on of 
ye present arbitrators. Also, voted, ye work of dividing ye common med- 
that Squire Lothrop and Mr Otis dows": which find, signed by the ar- 
should take yo accoupt of ye above bitrators with schedule annexed of 
sd arbitration & to satisfy ye same proprietors & quantities on pages 90 
and the Town to repay it to them & 91, under date of Jan 12, 1696 alias 
again. 1697, by which it is also provided 

Farther, it was unanimously voted that each and every male person 
that each proprietor of marsh should born within the town, (whether in the 
have free egress and regress to cut award named or not) if 24 years of 
grass, make hay and carry off the age or married, should receive one 
same, either for persons or teams, acre of meddow or marsh. And as it 
passing where least prejudicial to was supposed there would still remain 
owner of lots passed over, to whom a surplus of land, it should be divid- 
allowance shall be made for this ne- ed, according to the proportions 
cessity. specifically awarded. In this Divi- 

Feb 10, 1696-7 Com. of three men sion, Thos Hinckley has 5 acres in- 
to be chosen "to settle bounds be- stead of 4 as previously: 
twixt ye commons & particular mens Allotments to 192 persons or par- 
lotts of marsh or meddows where ties, in their own right or acquired 
they shall see occasion, according to through others, 
equity and Right without partiality. "Examined and Duly Compared with 

The Town then made choice of ye original & Entered ye 3 of Aug- 
Esq. Lothrop, Mr. Otis, & Daniel ust, 1697 per Samll Allyn Town 
Parker. Left Lowes added by vote Clerk." 

of Last of March, 1697; "voted to pp. 92 &93. Common Meddow & 
allow them three shillings per day Marsh to be laid out in lots of six 
while about said service. acres each, those on the best land 

Also to raise 20 pounds by vote to to be exactly six a — others to have 
defray the necessary charges in the enough more land to make theip 
matter. equal in value — Those who have just 

The 18th of February, 1697, was six acres to have his lot in severalty 

15 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

— Others shall unite with neighbor or ie Barnabas Lothrop Esq Left Lewes, 

neighbors are Kinsfolk, the measiir- Daniel Parker & Mr. John Otis: 

ers •f the town to determine, who Town now determines there shall be 

shall be joined together as partners only one Committee, which shall both 

— accomodating those who have pref- set out lots & establish their bounds 

erences as much as possible. The and there were chosen at a town 

parcels shall be chosen by lot prepar- meeting held June 23, 1697, Capt 

ed in open town meeting. The lots Gorham, Mr Otis & Daniel Parker 

to be numbered from 1, the numbers as such Com. they to receive 5 shil- 

being written on separate slips of lings each per day 

paper to be drawn by some one meet Sept 30, 1697. Capt Gorham & Mr 

person. The persons to have lots James Hinckley chosen to determine 

shall be entered in a list made out "little nooks corners that may be 

by the measurers & the name and meet to allow those that have their 

lot drawn shall be entered In the marsh on ye South Sea, — 

town book. Each person (or group) And agreement made with Mr. 

to have his chioce according to his Otis to allow him Id per acre for 

turn by the number drawn. Where paying all the charges of lotting out 

parties cannot agree, the choice shall & recording the lots commons. 

be determined by the majority in in- p. 94 Division of "South Sea Med- 

terest. Where interests are equal or dow" — their signatures. 

for any cause no such decision shall p. 95 John Issams "Two acre right 

be made & in case of refusal or ne- of Marsh laid out to him at Oyster 

gleet to choose that person w^ho Island 

draws the number shall also choose p. 95 Record of 4 lots between Ful- 

the lot to go with it. After the lots ler's Creek & Scorton Creek 

of six acres are all laid out & num- p. 96 Record of 6 lots between 

bers drawn, one week's time shall Scorfon Creek & Eel Creek 

be allowed for inspection of lots and p. 96 Record of 6 lots between 

then, choice shall be made and enter- BoatCove Creek <Sr Fuller's do 

ed in the list, to be recorded after- p. 97 Record of 5 lots between 

wards in hook. Eel Creek & Goodspeed's do 

The measurers may prepare stakes p. 98 Record of 12 lots between 

to be planted at lots with their num- Boat Cove Creek & Spring do 

ber & shall have 4s. per day for their p. 100 Record of 6 lots between 

services (At Town Meeting May 6, Bridge Creek & Spring do. 

^^^'^ (Here is Jno. Otis) 

.Committee having formerly been. p. 101 Record of 14 lots between 
chosen to settle boundaries betwn Bacon's Creek & Wells do 
Common meadows & particular lots, & so to boundary of lot 110 p. 107 

16 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

At Town meeting 12th Aug. 1697, vot- men chosen were Mr. Jno. Oils, Dan- 
ed that those who shall choose all ye iel Parter & Samll Chipman 
common marsh on Oister Island, (There were many special grants 
(save that granted to John Issam, of Commons ie Tpland, many dis- 
shall have it for 9 acres or a lot and putes as to exact locality of grants 
one half. \ ^ &:c, &c. Exchanges of lands and so 

allotment finished Aug, 6, 1197 hy land measurers were in great de- 
Jno. Otis, Capt Gorham «£: Daniel mand.) 

Parker, & recorded 25th of Novem- May 13, 169S (p. 113) Props on 
her 1697 Sandy Neck of meddows had leave 

As. auest Saml Allyn Town Clerk to put up fences & treat cattle in- 
12th Angust 1697, lots were drawn trading as trespassers — 
"for choice of 6 acre lots on first Di- p. 11-5. Oct 2S, 1697 John Gorham 
vision of sd marsh". & Samll Hinkley report they have 

19Th August 1697, it appearing that marked trees where Proprietors of 
there having been enough 6 acre lots Meddows at South Sea might, as by 
drawn to satisfy all allotments & as leave of town, set their fences upon 
many 3 acre lots remained, voted to points or skirts of upland for conven- 
draw by lot for choice of those — iency & saving of fence — 
On pp. lOS et sub. is given names Feb 22d 1699-1700, Major John Gor- 
of Proprietors, ntimbers drawn & lot ham added as a third man to Cant 
chosen by each, both of whole and Otis & Mr Daniel Parker for to 
half lots. Thomas Hinkley is always make a division betwixt men's pro- 
named first- This "turn of choice" prieties & ye Towns Commons to 
was no 63 & no. 65 prevent encroachments thereupon 

Recorded Nov. 25, 1797 p. 113 (each man to have 3 shillings per 

after 1st & 2d Division, there re- day) 

matned the 57th lou -2 lot "5 & half and such persons ie (Otis, Parker & 
lot 102 Gorham) to be the Towns Agents or 

May 13, 169 S, 14 lot 102 granted Attorneys to prevent & correct "'dis- 
XathU Nichols, on motion of his orderly taking in of ye Towns Com^- 
Father. mons"' — 

Daniel Parker fc Samuel Chapman '"This 21st of Febrtiarv- 1700. Then 
added to number of land measurers, in pursuance of an order given unto 

June 24, 1698. Voted to make Capt Gorham & Capt Otis by Rich- 
choice of men to settle ye bounds be- ard. Earl of BeUamont, Govenotir in 
twixt men's lands & ye Commons chief to divide ye Town of Bamsta- 
where there may be occasion for ye ble into two Cz — '^zj^. we do order, 
same and to settle &: ye bounds agree and ar' - t-luding and 

and bring ye same to record. The beginning at : Crockers as 

17 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

ye may goeth up to ye head of 2 Whether there be any right of 

Skoukanet River and as sd River run- commons belonging to the Com- 

neth in to ye South Sea shall be ye mons already divided? 

dividing line in sd Town ye East- 3 Whether be any Right of Com- 

ward i)art belonging to Capt Gorham mons to Personal Estates? 

ye first foot Company in sd Barnsta- 4 whether any right of commons be- 

ble & ye Westward belonging to longeth to House Lots as such? 

Capt Otis ye Second foot Company in 5 Whether any respect shall be had 

sd Town. (p. 120.) to ye unmber of male children in 

19th of March 1700. that Town each family? 
Clerk and one of the Town Com. liv- 6 Whether ye right of Commons 
ing at either end of Town (as it may heretofore granted to any doth ex- 
happen) shall be capable of settling tend to his & their heirs & Succes- 
bounds between men's property & sors 

Town Commons , (P- 122) At a town meeting named 

May 17, 1700 Major John Gorham, ye. 25th of Sept. 1701 Then voted 
Capt Otis & Lieutenant Allyn Em- that 15 men be chosen as a Commit- 
powered to employ inferiour help to tee to consider and draw up some 
same end. proposals to offer to ye Town in 

Sept 17, 1700 Rev Jonathan Rus- order to their Settling ye propriety 
sell asked for his fire wood or an of ye Common lands in sd Town & 
Equivalent, having formerly, on first to find out who are ye proprietors & 
settlement been encouraged by prin- what each man's propriety may rea- 
cipal inhabitants to expect it— sonably be in sd. Town, and such 

7th March 1701 Voted that a town rules as shall be proposed by ye ma- 
meeting should be named for Tues- Jor part of sd. Committee to ye Town 
day next ensuing, in order to con- shall be the Method for ye future 
sider and find out and Determine to for dividing as much of sd Com- 
whom of right, ye Common Upland mons as may be Thought suitable 
belongs to and are ye proper pro- from time to time to be laid out — In 
prietors of ye same — case ye sd Town accept sd rules 

At a Town Meeting orderly named 11 when proposed. 

of March 1701 (p. 121) Rev Mr, Rus- At a Town Meeting 25 of Sept 1701 
sell was chosen Moderator for sd. The persons chosen as a Committee 
day (The first thing then debated on To consider and Draw up some pro- 
was posals to offer To the Town 
1 whether ye bare Admission of a Respecting ye Commons &c were as 
person to be a Townsman, gives him followeth, 

a right to ye Commons, under our ^^i' Thomas Hinkley, Edward Lewes, 
circumstances Major John Gorham, Esq Lothrop, 

18 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Lieut Fuller, Capt John Otis, John May next ensuing. 
Bacon, Joseph Smith, James Gorham, At a Town meeting ye 12th of 

Ensign Hinkley, John Jenkins, Samll May 1702 Major Gorham was chos- 
Chipman, Ebenezer Lewes, James en ^Moderator for ye meeting & ye 
Coleman, Daniel Parker adjournment thereof. 

"At a Town Meeting 19 of Feby 1701- Then also was agreed and voted in 
2 Voted by ye Town to Know ye pursuance of town votes passed 19th 
proprietors of ye Towns Commons & of March and 14 of April last past, 
to State ye same; that some meet for ye taking of some method for ye 
course should be taken" better settling of their common lands. 

At a Town Meeting 19 of March and as upon Record upon ye Town 
1702. Voted that there be a sulta- Book may more fully appear & there 
ble Number of Unconcerned persons was three men that was unconcerned 
chosen to Resolve who are ye Right yt were chosen to give Judgment 
proprietors of ye Undivided or Com- and Resolution concerning ye interest 
mon Lands within this Township, sd of ye common lands viz Capt Mory 
number was voted to be throe & th^t of Plymouth Mr. Samll Knowles & 
it should be left to them to Resolve :Mr Joseph Doan of Eastham & they 
the same were desired to meet here on ye 12th 

At a Town meeting ye 14th of Day of this present ]\Iay & two of 
April 1702, Esq Lothrop chosen :Mod- them, to wit Capt Jonathan ivrory & 
erator, (after reciting above vote) Mr. Samll Knowles did accordingly 
"has now further ordered & voted, come & manifested a compliance to 
yt ye three persons so chosen to re- ye desire of ye Town presented to 
solve who are ye right Proprietors — you, but Mr Joseph Doan was by ye 
Shall in stating & settling sd pro- Providence of God taken sick ye day 
prietors' Interest and Proportion — before & so rendred incapable of 
They shall determine it according coming. Therefore, and for other 
to law, ye Town Records, & ye Rules considerations moving thereunto. It 
of Right Reason." was agreed and orderly concluded 

T.hen was made choice of three men with ye general consent & Desire yt 
by ye Town to Determine & Settle Barnabas Lothrop Esq should be add- 
ye concern as abovesd which were ed to ye above mentioned me former- 
Capt Jonathan IVTory of Plymouth & ly chosen to judge of this matter and 
Mr. Samuel Knowles and Mr Joseph if they be all together ye same meet- 
Doan of Eastham & Mr Russell was ing, then any three of them agreeing: 
desired to write to them to desire or if but three of them meet togeth- 
them to attend ye sd service at ye er at ye same time than any two of 
time appointed was to be the Second them agreeing their Judgment gii'en 
Tuesday in IMay. being ye 12 Day of in shall be binding accordingly as 

19 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

was formerly voted, anything in any of names & Estates as for house lotts, 
of ye former Votes about unconcern- Each of which have increased to a 
ed persons to ye contrary notwith- greater number and no particular pro- 
standing, priety yet stated, and further Difficul- 
Sd meeting adjourned by votes of ye ty like to accrue — 
Town to next day 9 of ye clock: Therefore, it is ordered and Resolved 
Then desired of sd men yt they fin- by ye major part of ye Proprietors 
ish sd affair as soon as possibly they having regard to said threefold rule 
can. that one third part of ye lands yet 
At a Town meeting 22d of May 1702. undisposed of is stated & shall be di- 
Made choice of Capt .John Otis, Eben- vided to every Tenement in this 
ezer Lewis and Samll Allyn, to take Town, equally alike & not Exempting 
account of ye Towns men and ye such whose owners are widdows & 
claims of sd Towns men by their in yt nonage or not out of Town, nor 
several Qualifications their names be- including those yt have built on ye 
ing annexed to ye same. Commons. 

At a Town meeting 4th of August Resolved that one third part of ye 
1702, orderly named for Persons con- Commons is stated and settled to Es- 
cerned to give in their Qualifications, tates according to proportions of each 
that to each person may have his persons estate real of ye present In- 
proportion for ye undivided common habitants, Excluding any other 
Lands stated by ye arbitrators— Townsmen that have bought small 

At a Town meeting 16 of Feb. 1702-3 Tracts of Meddow within our Town- 
Whereas this Town hath laboured to ship and are with us non residents, 
state ye Commons or undivided Lands Resolved that ye other or last third 
to each proprietor according to their is stated to number of names Im- 
several Qualifications, that It may moveable to each and Every one alike 
be Conducible to ye benefit of ye to be understood according to our 
whole— And whereas there is an Town Record, such as are married or 
order of settlement in ye Town Book 24 years of age and are resident in 
of Records bearing date 1640, that ye Town— and not to exclude any who 
Commons shall be stated or divided transiently are out of Town In ye 
by this three fold Rule, viz. one third occasions. 
to House Lotts, one third to Estate School & Ministry 
& one Third of Number of Names Resolved that there be 80 acres of 
Immovable. land reserved out of ye whole, ye 

Proposed, At ye time of making profits of which shall be touards ye 
sd order, ye Town was progressive maintenance of a school or schools 
and ye particles "Shall Be, refers to In this Town & 80 acres to ye Minis- 
ye time of Doing as well for number try & so to be perpetually. 

20 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

And as all general rules may have premises shall be binding with a sav- 
some particular exceptions. Resolved ing to any Grieved party the liberty 
that ye major part of ye Proprietors of ye Law. A Committee was voted 
shall have Liberty to Salve where for and their choice of which were, 
there may be particular Apparent Lieut Coll John Gorham, Samll Hink- 
wrong , ley Senior, Daniel Parker, Ebenezer 

Resolved yt whereas one third of ye Lewes & Lieut Allyn 
undivided land is Stated or settled to At a Town Meeting 17 of :March 
Estates Real as aforesd is ordered 1703 

to be proportioned as ye Estates Then voted by ye Town & ordered 
real was prized «S: . Rated in ye year that John Hinckley Jun should have 
1701 & where any part of such ye Town Book of Records for Lands 
Real Estate is conveyed to other per- sd Town Book to be delivered him 
son or persons since sd rate was by ye Town Clerk, to take out & 
made: that then to be Recoued to ye faithfully to draw out ye Records of 
present owner & to be computed by all Men's Lands bordering on ye 
ye Committee & sd Committee is Im- Commons & such writings as are 
powered to apprize Mr.Russels' Es- therein contained as may be neces- 
tate Real & in like manner he to re- sary for ye carrying on that work of 
ceive for it; Dividing betwixt ye Towns Com- 

At a Town Meeting ye 19th of Feb. mens and Mens' proprietys & Hink- 
1702-3, Left Collonel Gorham was ley to have Ten Shillings for his 
chosen Moderator for that Day. true and faithfull performance of ye 

Then ordered a Committee to be cho- same. 

sen to receive to take ye number of We, John Gorham, Samll Hinkley, 
ye persons Qualified to Receive and Samll Allyn, Daniel Parker, & Eben- 
ye number of Tenements to receive, ezer Lewes being chosen a Commit- 
& to take ye quantity of each mans tee at a Town Meeting 19 of Febru- 
estate real as ordered and after a ary 1702-3 to hear ye pleas & claims 
schedule taken to be committed to of each Proprietor of ye Common 
record & to state shares to Each & undivided lands in ye sd Town of 
Qualification According to Propor- Barnstable & to state ye propriety 
tion after ye whole is Computed into thereof after ye whole shall shall be 
Shares «&: shall in like manner be computed into shares which computa- 
committed unto Record which Com- tion is six thousand shares, we hav- 
mittee shall have 3 shillings a day ing heard ye several claims of ye 
per man they finding themselves & whole, have made and drawn a list 
shall consist of five men who are or schedule of our settlement & re- 
hereafter chosen by sd proprietors solve, wherein is each person's name 
as followeth, whose resolution in the '"ith yr respective shares & propor- 

21 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

tion annexed thereto, according to ye 29th April & 6 of May 1706 Col 
Town's vote & committed to Rec- Gorham Cap. Otis & Sergeant Eben- 
ord, which record is a final Settle- ezer Lewes chosen agents to settle 
ment of sd propriety, saving Liberty the bounds between our Town & Yar- 
for any grieved person to try his title mouth, with full power to compound 
at ye Common Law the differences or submit them to 

East End final arbitration. 

LeftColl Gorham heads the Schedule 14th of August 1707, Mr. John Bacon 
(p. 127) with 62 shares & Lieut Lothrop were chosen & Im- 

James Gorham next with (largest no. powered to treat with ye Indians 
of any) 74% about Oyster Island about ye pur- 

James Gorham Jr next with 12% chase thereof for ye Town and make 

Shubal Gorham next with 43% Report of yr doings therein that ye 

Barnabas Lothrop next with 37% Town proprietors may farther con- 

Mr. Thomas Hinkley Sr next with 40 sider about a full issue thereof 
John Hamlin has 71% shares. At a Town Meeting ye 18 of March 

Capt. Otis has 60% shares 1709 

Thomas Huckins has 72 shares There v>^as Liberty granted by ye 

179 persons receive shares, and it Town to several Indians who desired 

is added "There is fifty shares be- it of you to plant or sow & to dwell 

longing to personal Rights yet nndis- upon ye Island called Oyster Island 

posed of which ye Town then gave them 

"Whereas it is doubtful to us that Liberty so to do. Namely Paul Um- 

some house that we have entered for phry & his son, James Richard & 

tenements are on ye Commons & so Isaac Wampum & Joseph Peter & 

are excluded by ye Town Act from his son — To which grant and Liberty 

taking as such, we do therefore de- given from ye Town Mr. Daniel Par- 

termine notwithstanding sd entry ker then Declared his Dissent. 

that where they shall so appear on (W'e first learned from the records 

ye bounding men's lands, they shall that there were any Selectmen in 

be excluded, according to sd act. 1696, when instructions were given 

this 5 of March 1702-3. .John Gorham them about the bounds of Yarmouth.) 

Samll Allyn May 20th 1701, the bounds of Barn- 

Samll Hinkley stable & Sh were established & au- 

Daniel Parker thenticated by the signatures of 

Ebenezer Lewes James Gorham & Ebenezer Lewes, 

This above was truly recorded as it Selectmen of Bl, and William Bas- 

was given in by ye Committee for set, John Smith, Daniel Allyn, Se- 

yr end. As Attest Samll Allyn, lectmen of Sh Same day, line run 

Town Clerk ye 8th March 1702-3 to west* of same "with the help of 

22 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Major John Thacher Esq. (p. 122) action of Trespass whereas he sd 
"At a Town Meeting. 5 of Feb. Lumbart improved it as ye Town's 
1701. Then voted and given to old Consmons Ihe above sd action to be 
Mr Robinson by ye major part of ye herd & Tryed in ye next Inferiour 
Town then present one acre and Court In Barnstable as per sd writ 
half of marsh. may appear." 

19th of March 1702, Voted to sub- "4 of May 1709 at a Town Meeting 
mit to arbitration the claim Samll orderly named & met. Coll: Gorham 
Annable makes to laud granted to chosen Moderator. 
James pain & Capt William Basset Then voted that ye Town gives full 
& Justice Stephen Skiff were chosen liberty for ye Proprietors of ye Med- 
arbitrators with power to choose a dow at Sandy Neck or any parcel 
third. "«&; Mr. Thomas Hinkley was of them to erect & put up a fence 
then chosen to manage ye matter at ye most convenient place at ye 
aforesd as ye Town's Agent,. Re- West End or Entry of sd Neck, 
specting abovesd premises, "Feb 16, across from ye meddow over to ye 
1703 Voted that Annable shd have sea & continue ye same winter & 
5 pounds in full satisfaction for his summer seven yrs. & untill it be 
claim. otherways ordered for ye preventing 

(P. 124) 22d May 1702. "Also, then horse Kind or neat cattle to go with- 
was voted Esq. Lothrop, Major Gor- in sd fence to fede ye Meddows or 
ham, Capt Otis & Mr. Thomas Hink- beech within ye same at any time of 
ley to renew or settle ye bounds be- ye year, nor tread ye beech, which 
tween ye Indians and this Town at heretofore hath proved very detri- 
Coatuit, Santuitt or elsewhere & to mental as by experience hath been 
use their prudence to act or do in found & that all Horse Kind & Cat- 
that affair for ye Town In Making tie found on sd neck within sd. fence. 
Compliance with sd Indians & sd shall be accounted Trespassers & . 
Town, to defi-ay the charges that dealt with as such, 
may arise thereupon & to begin upon This order was approbated by ye 
sd service ye second Tuesday of Sep- Court ye 19 of May 1709. Ordered 
tember ensuing In order to ye finish- that Agents of lands for school & the 
ing ye same. ^linistry should have "liberty to hire 

16th December 1702. Mr. Thomas out sd lands for ye term of ten 
Hinkley & Mr. Daniel Parker made years for ye Towns use — 
choice of as agents for the Town to At a Town meeting ordered named 
defend their Right in ye land at for ye 9th of April 1712. Then was 
Strawberry Hill that .Joseph Hatch chosen for that day Coll. John Gor- 
layeth claim therunto which sd ham [131 
Hatch arested Joshua Lumbart in an Then voted (it being proposed that 

23 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

it is our duty to have two Meeting ye merchant at ye respective times 
Houses & two Ministers by divers of payment. Always provided that sd 
amongst us) that the Meeting be Mr. Russell do accept of sd yearly 
adjourned to this day three weeks payments for his sallary In full. 
In order to consider of sd proposals This to be made Known to Mr. Rus- 
and that there be some of ye neigh- sell by ye persons undersigned viz. 
hour Ministers and others desired to Mr. Daniel Parker, Serjeant John 
be present at ye Meeting & yt sd Baker, Lieut Lewes, Lieut Lothrop & 
matter be then fairly debated & .John Lewes 
heard & hear their advice thereon This voted by ye Town. 

& yt ye matter be determined by ye At a Town Meeting ye 17 of August 
vote of ye Town at ye same time, 1712, then was chosen for that Day 
all ye ordained Ministers in ye Deacon .Job Crocker Moderator. 
County that may be obtained to be Then voted by ye Town that Mr. 
present at sd Meeting & the Dea- Jonathan Russell have a suitable set- 
cons or any two of them to send to tlement granted him, which if he ac- 
them word for yt end. & Ensign cept he shall forthwith be ordain- 
Parker, John Lewes & John Jenkins ed as a minister to ye Church & 
to draw up something In answer to Town — but always that ye settling 
Col. Otis his proposal and ordaining of him shall be no ob- 

At ye Adjournment above mentioned struction to ye church and Town 
ye last of April 1712 Coll: John Gor- Either to ye Calling of another Min- 
ham was chosen Moderator for that ister to assist in this house or to be- 
day. At sd meeting being held by come two societys when we can 
adjournment to ye first of May when unanimously agree to either of them, 
we had ye advice of ye Reverend El- Farther agreed and voted that foras- 
ders then present with us then pursu- much as ye Town is not at present 
amt to sd advice did vote a concur- in a capacity to provide a real set- 
rence with ye Church, in ye choice of tlement for ye Minister's accomoda- 
Mr. Jonathan Russell to be their tion & use that instead thereof the 
Pastor & make choice of him to be Town do give to and allow to Mr 
ye Minister of ye Town & do also Jonathan Russell two hundred 
vote to give him 80 pounds to be an- pounds to be paid after ye rate of 
nually paid sd Mr Russell if he shall twenty pounds per year annually in 
continue here in sd work & take sd case he continue in ye work of ye 
work on him and as long as he shall Ministry among us so long: if not, so 
continue here in that work sd money long as he shall so continue to be 
to be paid in Province bills or other paid twenty pounds per year, the- 
money as it shall pass currant with money to be paid at such value as it 

24 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

usually passes or in Province bills. 1647 (page 133 et sub) orders adopt- 
At a Town Meeting January 27, ed for building general fence from 
1712-3 Coll. Otis chosen Moderator Coggins Pond ye pond by Thos. Hink- 
for that Day. ley's to Stony Cove — lanes to have 

Then voted that there be a Commit- gates at upper ends — Mr. Allyn, Gdd. 
tee of twelve men chosen to consider Sherley, .John Smith & Nathl Bacon 
ivhat is ye present Duty of this Town to be Heywards to see to fences & 
In respect of Two Meeting Houses impound cattle, hogs &c trespassing 
or Societys & to Consider what ye Hogs to be yoked — 
Cost of building &. settling two 13.5 

Ministers may probably be & if It Heywards shall determine part of 
be thought Convenient to have two general fence to built by each pro- 
to consider where they shall stand prietor & make it if he does not, 
& how money shall be raised & ye charging twice as much for their la- 
growing charge defrayed & make Re- bour as it is ordinarily worth, or if 
port to ye Town. they cannot attend to it, may sura- 

The men chosen for sd Service are mon all the interessors in the general 
as under written. fence who shall assemble to do it & 

Coll. Otis, John Lewes, Deacon Chip- receive forfeit as aforesaid. Hey- 
man. Coll Gorham, Ensign John wards shall break up the general field 
Thacher, Ebenezer Goodspeed, John when the corn is gathered in previ- 
Jenkins, Mr. Samll Hinkley, John ous to which, the cattle shall not be 
Baker, Mr. John Bacon, James Cole- permitted therein unless in a suffi- 
man, John Phinney Jur cient enclosure or upder Keeper's 

Voted Mr. Daniel Parker Added care — under forfeit of 2 shillings for 
At a Town Meeting July 29 1713. each mans default. Heywards may 
Voted that Mr. .lohn Bacon, Lieut impound & receive the forfeit & 
Jos. Lothrop & Lieut Ebenezer half of it when any others shall im- 
Lewis be a Committee to have power pound. 

to bargain with Thomas Crocker Jr Heywards to inspect carefully and 
for such a piece of land as they shall frequently the fences in the season 
think necessary to enlarge ye bury- when the lyeth most exposed to dam- 
ing place & take care to get ye same age by cattle, for which they shall 
fenced in with ye whole burying receive a penny an acre besides the 
place in such convenient time as forfeit — Fence to be made by 16th 
they shall think fitt. of March 

1647— "ye 7th of January— "It is (136) Dec. 22, 1657 "Whereas at a 
also granted that Isaac Robinson general meeting of ye several inter- 
shall have all ye marsh that lyeth essors in the General field, specified 
at ye end of his lot westerly. in an order dated ye, 28th of Feb, 

25 



■>/ 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

1647 they ye sd Inhabitants have tion of ye corn for this present year 
given full power to Mr. John Groome, & for so long time as until] ye Town 
Isaac Robinson, Nathaniel Eaton, shall take sonae other course therein 
Thomas Huckens & Thomas Hinkley & it was further ordered as an addi- 
to order all such things about ye gen- tion thereunto that what order or or- 
eral field as may conduce to ye gen- ders ye aforementioned five men or 
eral good of ye several interessors any three of them shall agree upon 
therein as aforesd — It is therefore Respecting ye said field, shall stand 
ordered by them according to ye in force till ye town make some other 
power given them as aforesd as fol- provision therein", 
loweth, viz. ■ This Com. on the 24th of May 

Fences to be made by Uth March in 1662, made rules, fixing 6d a rod as 
default of 3d per acre to be spent in a penalty for defective fence & twice 
general field & if not made four days the charge of making it after one 
after 10th March to be put up at day's notice: also, that the compen- 
double cost to interessors. Gates sation of Heywards shd. be 3 pounds 
at lanes to be maintained & assigned per an. and appointed Thos. Huckens, 
to different persons for that purpose. John Davis & .Tames Claghorn for 
Similar orders made Jan 25, 1652 & that year. JMarch 21, 1663 they 

March 20, 1653 (p. 137) chose Nathl Bacon, .James Lewes 

Dec. 22, 1656 order, reciting great and James Cob. 

damages by neglect to keep the Feb. 7, 1668 they chose Abraham 
fences up — that they shall be made Blush, James Lewes & James Cob 
by 1st of March, as proportioned by Heywards & Nathaniel Bacon, Thos. 
Henry Cob, Nathaniel Bacon, John Huckens, John Davis James Lewes 
Gorham, Thomas Huckens & George & James Cob, to take a view of ye 
Lewes proportions of fence & land belong- 

For six weeks after Indian harvest ing with the bounds, to be recorded 
the gates may be opened, but at no in the Town Book 
other time. p. 139 Feb 7, 1671— agreement of 

Dec. 22d 1656. John Phinney, Thos. Hinkley & Thos. Huckins 
Thos. Lothrop & George Lewes Com about proportion of fence &c, about 
for that year Coggins Pond & ye lane for protec- 

Resolved by ye Town this 21 of tion of General fields. 
May 1662 That Thos. Hinkley, Nathl Feb. 19, 1671. John Davis, James 
Bacon, Thos. Huckens, Joseph Loth- Lewes & James Cob & Kenecompsit 
rop & John Davis be empouered to to be Heywards & to report "defects'* 
make such orders Respecting ye gen- to Jedediah Lumbart, who is em- 
eral field as may be for ye preserva- pouered to act as ye Companes 

26 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Treasurer to levy fines & give a true — Jabez Lumbart and Xatlianiel Ba- 
account thereof." con were chosen & appointed iiieasur- 

14th April 1672, John Davis, James ers instead of j^e above named Tliom- 
Lewis & James Cob chosen Hey as Lothrop & Bernard Lumbart— & 
wards, James Lewis, Treasurer. the penny per acre is to be paid in 

Jan'y 16,1673 Abraham Blush, Thos Indian corn at 6d per bushel 
Lumbart & James Cob. Each Hay- Oct. 10, 1656. Mr Thomas Prince 
ward to have 20 shillings in Indian & Capt .Tames Cudworth having been 
Corn. Fines to be elected bye Com. ordered & requested by the Court to 
by warrant of distress. endeavor to issuing a controversy 

Feb. 26, 1679 Robt Davis, David Lin- between Mr. Thomas Dexter and & 
nel & Henry Taylor — some of ye neighborhood about a 

No cattle to be let in till Oct. highway over a marsh of Mr Dexter, 
15th Gates not to be thrown open determined that those owning marsh 
till Nov. 5 annually & if any Yar- above it & using the way, should pay 
mouth horses or cattle are in before Mr. Dexter 6d per acre for its use in 
the Hay wards or any other may im- full recompense, shd make and re- 
pound them & have 5d of each owner pair the way forever in proportion to 
of such cattle or horses. the use each man made of it & shd 

Dec. 31, 1685 At a meeting of shut gates & bars after use to pre- 
proprietors of ye lands in ye common vent damage." 

fields voted that no cattle or beasts The names of those that are Interest- 
shall be baited therein before Oct. ed In Marsh that needs ye priviledge 
15, except working cattle & then "on of sd way as foUowetb — Samll Hink- 
owners own land only" — ley 

.Jan 26. 1685 voted by Prop's that Peter Blossom 

Common fields shall be measured William Crocker Thos Hinkley 
next summer to ascertain the pro- Samll Fuller Robert Parker 

portion of each mans land & fence John Chipman Mr.Linnel 

belonging to it by men under oath Also, j^e. sd Mr. Thomas Prince and 
& any man who, after Oct, 15, shall Capt. Cudworth do allow ye sd foot 
put cattle therein in excess of his way laid out by ve jury over some 
proportionate right he shall pay for land of ye sd Thomas Dexters him- 
excess; " self likewise contented therewith. 

Thos. Lothrop, Bernard Lum- also ordered ye day and year afore- 
bart, John Gorham & Joseph Loth- said by ye sd Mr. Thomas Prince 
rop or any three of them, shall & Capt James Cudworth yt ye De- 
measure the land and apportion the termination of Bernard Lumbart 
fence, being allowed Id per acre. whre ye. bounds of mens upland and 

Feb. 13, 1686, at meeting of Prop's Marsh is Shall there be kept to ye 

27 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

issuing of any controversy between to be painted in the same manner 
Mr. Thomas Dexter and any of ye as the house is - that stands near 
neighbourhood on that account. Jabez Howes in Yarmouth. Bearse et 

Finis — al. to own Vz pews, Hamblin the 

p. 144 Perambulation of bounds of other % (Except the ministers pew 
Yarmouth &Barnstable 24th May & to have $1100 (March 15, 1796) 
1803, Farm formerly Job Gorhams (1.50) John Gallison sells the same 
to be taxed in B & Timothy Hal- piece of land on South side of the 
letts in Y. East Precinct in Barnstable to same 

Abner Taylor Seleictmen of persons as above (Bearse et al.) for 

Thomas Thacher Y church 

Eben Bacon Bl p. 193 

Richard Lewis "We certify that Isaac Smith 

p. 145 do. of Sandwich 26 April 1826 of the Town of Barnstable is a mem- 
Lemuel Nye Selectmen ber of the religious society in the 
Asa Hinkley of B Town of Barnstable called Metho- 

Melatiah Bourne, Henry Lawrence, dists: dated this eleventh day of May 
Selectmen of Sh A.D.1812 

Josiah Hinkley Town Clerk. Ebenezer Hinckley 

p. 146 James Fuller 

Perambulation of Mashpee & Bl, Committee, 

bounds, April 19, 1803 Received May 14th A.D. 1812 & is 

David Parker, George Miller, compared atest 

Guardians of Plantn Maspee Naler Crocker Town Clerk- 

Eben Bacon • Marriages Solemnized by Rev. Enoch 

Nathl Jenkins B] Pratt commencing Nov. 27, 1807 — to 

p. 147 Partition of fence May 17, 1823 (p. 194) 

1793 Eben Bacon T Clerk. (p. 202) Nov 27, 1816. Ansel An- 

p. 148 Agreement by which Micah nable sells Isaiah L. Green pew — be- 
Hamblin agrees with Lemuel Bearse, ing wall pew on South side of North 
Eleazer Scudder & Elisha Blish to Meeting house in Bl. 
build a meeting house on the North (205) Feb. 1, 1805 Hannah Doane, of 
side of Phinneys lane, between Mr. Boston, sells V2 a pew in same to 
Joseph Phinneys & Mr Solomon Hezekiah Doane of Bl. Shipwright. 
Phinney dwelling house — to be 46ft. (207) Fence viewers assignment of 
long 38ft wide 2iy2ft high. Porch partition fence 1818 
14ff sq. 21% ft high House to be (209) 

lathed & plastered — 42 pews — a neat Marriages by Revd Josiah Sturte- 
sounding board to be painted stone vant 
color — a gallery House & windows (213) sale July 15, 1822 of Ebenr 

28 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Bacon's Vs pew in meeting house at Neck for the Proprietors «S: Inhabi- 
W. B. tants of said Town to pass and re- 

(219) sale of pew in Baptist M H. at pass as occasion may require. We 
Hyannis 1825 have also measured off the said 20 

(246) sale of pew in M. E. M. H. rods from what we call common and 
1826 ordinary high water mai'k from one 

subject to the following conditions end of the Neck to the other & set 
viz. that the pulpit of said meeting bounds and caused the same to be 
house shall be supplied by the An- recorded on the Town Book" 
nual Conference of the Methodist (288) Nov. 29, 1837 Bl & Yar Bounds 
Episcopal Church agreeable to the perambulated Jas :\Iatthews Saml 
rules of discipline. And the Metho- Thacher Ichabod Sherman Select 
dists in Barnstable may occasionally Yar. 

and exclusively occupy the aforesaid Henry Crocker Nathaniel Hinckley 
Meeting House for their Love Feasts Saml Pitcher selectmen of Bl. 
and all other church meetings for p. 291 

their benefit." May 2, 1838 (Sandwich & Barnstable 

Naler Crocker Town Clerk, 1823 bounds perambulated) 
James N. Howland Town Clerk 182.5' Nathl Hinckley Danl Bassett Select- 
Josiah Hinckley Town Clerk 1826 men of Bl 

Calvin Stetson 1837 Jesse Boyden Jno. B. Dillingham se- 

Fredk Parker 1844 lectmen of Sh 

F. G. Kelley 1847. Dec. 13, 1838 Bl. & Mashpee do 

(260) Perambulation of boundary line N. H. D. B. as above 
of Bl & Mashpee May 18, 1826 Solomon Attaquin Moses Pockuett 

Naler Crocker Lemuel Nye* Sectmen selectmen of Mashpee 
of Bl Gideon Hawley Nymphas :\rars- (P. 293) "Return of names enrolled 
ton overseers of poor. in the Militia in 1840 First Company 

(26.5) Recital in deed of purchase of 229 2d 132:— 361 
pew in 1st Unlversalist M. H. in Bl. whole number 368" 
of Props Jan. 15, 1831 1841 Return of Militia 

(P. 280) Three bills of sale of (P- 302) Do for 1842 whole no. en- 
' horses and wagons 1837 rolled 275 

(P. 284) July 1837. Chipman Hinck- Do for 1843 whole number enrolled 
ley, Nathaniel Gorham & Joseph 354 

Bodfish reported to the town "that P- 314 Bill of Sale of Dry & other 
in 1714 & 1715, the Proprietors of goods- 
Sandy Neck laid out 20 rods from (317) Perambulation of B. & Y. 
common and ordinary high water Nov. 29 1842 
mark upon the North side of Sandy Lothrop Davis, Seth Hallett Bl 

29 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Jas. Matthews Ichabod Sherman Yar. & then was voted to allow him six 
(18) Do. Dec, 20, 1847 shillings ye day for his services: 

Jas. Matthews Sam. Thacher Y agreed on and ye. Mr. John Bacon 

Nathl Hinckley Arthur B. Marston & Mr Samll Hinkley did manifest 
selectmen Bl — yourselfs to be utterly against allow- 

Bl & Mashpee ing him that money: and desired to 

Bl & Sh give dissent &c." (Handwriting of 

Lothrop Davis Selectman Seth Hal- John Otis) 

lett 1S42 At sd. Town Meeting abovsd. then 

Charles C. Bearse Fredk Scudder was voted for Mr. Daniel Parker 
Lothrop Davis 1849 and I\Ir John Bacon agents for ye 

Daniel Bassett F. S. & C. C. B. 18.52 Town to look out for a schoolmaster 
Nathl Hinckley Jos. R. Hall, Ebenr to serve ye Town for ye year ensu- 
Bacon 1858 ing & to provide him at the Town's 

1865 C. C. Bearse Chm of Selectmen Charge. 

Eben Bacon of Bd. Joseph R. Hall Dec. 1814 Dan'l Parker chosen rep- 
April 1871 Nathan Crocker Samuel resentative 

Snow ^ Left. Lewis, Left Lothrop, Ensin 

1871 June 1 Andrew Lovell Simeon Baker Serj Jos Smith John Lewis, 
L. Ames Selectmen— Town Clerk Samll Allyn 

John Otis m. Mrs Mercy Bacon July Apr. 21, 1715 Col. John Otis Mod- 
18, 1683 per Gov. Hinkley erator 

John Otis Town Clerk 1713 Town will join with Sandwich & Fal- 

In this year it was voted that inhts. mouth to give 20 pounds bounty for 
of each end of the Town shall meet every fuU grown wolf killed, 
together to select spots suitable for Col. Otis, Col Gorham. Esq Parker & 
the meeting houses when the town Lt. Lothrop shd take care of ye 
shd. think itself able to build. school house on Strawberry Hill- 

meeting to choose Jurymen for ye that it be not infringed or encroach- 
Superior Court, held March 18, 1713-4 ed upon. 

Col. Gorham Moderator Tithing men To give the widow of Mr. Russell 
elected — & clerk of ye Market 60 pounds 

Eben Lewis John Bacon John Lewis Sept 21, 1714 Town voted to pay 
selectmen. for sweeping ye meeting Hous 1:10 

"At a Town Meeting orderly nam- May 12, 1715 Left Joseph Lothrop 
ed for ye choosing of Representative chosen Rep. & allowed 5s per day. 
for the ensuing year May 17, 1714, 1716. Daniel Parker, 
then was chosen to represent the Esq Parker chosen agent to defend 
Town at the General Court holden in presentment for not having a pound. 
Boston ensuing, Mr. Daniel Parker At a Town Meeting orderly warned 

30 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

ye 6th Sept. 1715 voted bers— 20) 

For Mr. Russells Sallary for this At a Town Meeting ye 30th of Octo- 
year & settlement 100:0:0 ber 1716— "The return of the Coui- 

Allowed also for ye Widdow Russell mitty to the Town who sat in Baru- 
30:0:0 stable the 26th of October. 1716. Then 

Towards supporting a School-master proposed by the Committy met to- 
&c 35:0:0 gether pursuant to a vote of the 

Toward ye Killing of wolves 30:0:0 town whether there is any thing of 
For Representative 20:0:0 necessity to be done by the town to 

For sweeping ye Meeting Hous 1:10:0 prevent further & future difficulties 
For the poor 9:0:0 as to our curcomstances relating to 

For repairing the ^Meeting Hous two meeting buses therein: an- 
3:0:0 swered in the affirmative with una- 

For ye buring place — gate making — nimous consent & voted by ye 
10:0 Town as sd Town meeting." 

voted James Hamlin, son of James March 20, 1777 Left Ebenr Lewis 
Hamlin be desired & empowered to Moderator 

look after the boys on Sabbath, to Selectmen Capt. Lot Joseph Smith 
prevent disorder— & John Baker 

Oct 13, 1715 Left Jos. Lothrop Mod- Barnstable Feb. 17^7. To either 

erator: "then voted at sd Town of the Constables of Barnstable greet- 
meeting to have two meeting houses, ing 

Feb 28. 1716 Col Otis Mod. voted You are directed & ordered to 

not to divide the Town by families so give notice to ye Inhabitants of this 
that each cd. determine place where Town that they meet together on 
meeting houses shd. be. Thursday next at ten o'clock in the 

John Gorham Jr. chosen grand juror, forenoon in said' day at the usual 
Mch 20, 1716, Colonl Gorham Mod— place: That then the Town's mind 
yn was chosen Mr. Jo Bacon, Mr. may be Known by their vote, Wheth- 
Joseph Smith & Mr Jo Thacher for er they will grant the divers propos- 
Selectmen &c. al hereafter mentioned by divers of 

27th Oct. 1716, Col Otis Moderator, the inhabitants of sd Town 
"It was voted to choose a Committee That ye mind of the Town may be 
to lay before the town upon their Known whether or no they will grant 
consideration of the matters in debate the request of ye Inhabitants of ye 
what they judge might best conduce South side of ye Town that they may 
for ye peace & quietness of the Town have leave to build a Meeting House 
& the Committy then chosen were on ye South Side for carrying on ye 
Colonel Otis & Col John Gorham Publick Worship of God when they 
(last named, apparently of 20 mem- are able. 

31 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

That their minds may be Known one, the same Committee to divide 
whether they will raise money to ye Town in order for each precinct 
build one more meeting house in said or Society to act for themselves. 
Town to be sett abt at ye West end That the Town make choice of a man 
of sd Town, as may be appointed by to look after the burying place and 
a Committee out of Town, and also repair any breaches as there may be 
to raise money to pay for ye meet- occasion. 

ing house already built in said Town That the Town choose a committee 
on condition it shall stand where it of wise, indifferent persons, to refer 
does and both houses be the Towns all our difficulties unto for a final 
and improved for public meeting deterrjoination viz. what number of 
Houses, and a minister forthwith meeting houses may be necessary 
called to preach in ye new meeting att present, and where they shall 
House. ■ stand or be placed— If they deter- 

That the Towns mind may be Known, mine more than one needfull And 
whether they will grant that the East whether it is necessary or advisable 
end of the Town may be a Precinct to divide the Town into precincts, 
to act by themselves, to extend from and if so then to do it for us. And 
Yarmouth line Westward to ye way to determine whether the new meet- 
that leads from James Lewis Dock ing house in this town built by par- 
up into ye woods by Nathaniel Ba- ticular persons shall be improved for 
con's and from the North Sea half a publick meeting house and upon 
way across ye land to South Sea re- what terms. And in case there be 
serving liberty for any that dwell occasion for more than one minister 
within sd bounds to attend ye Pub- then the sd gentlemen to give us 
lick worship elsewhere if they please their advice whether it best for ye 
in sd Town and to pay to such min- town to vote ye present minister to 
ister where they shall attend. have his choice which part of ye 

That the Town's mind may be Known Town to settle att or to leave the 
whether Mr. Russell our present min- Determination thereof to a Council of 
ister shall have liberty to make his ministers. — or to determine it by a 
choice which Society he will be of lott. Also whether the Town will 
and preach to, if we divide into two give leave to all those persons that 
or more. have been at ye charge to build ye 

That the town choose a Committee new meeting house, forthwich to call 
of indifferent men, who shall have a minister to preach ye Gospel in sd 
full power to determine whether it house on that condition that they 
will be best for us to have one, two that attend the publick worship there 
or more meeting houses, And if they shall at their own cost pay to sd 
determine it best to have more than minister a suitable maintenance and 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

not be released from paying same Col. Otis, Esq Parker, Capt Lothrop 
until ye town see cause to release — & Capt Bacon chosen committee t>o 
John Bacon dispose of old meeting house for the 

etal. Town when the West Precinct have 

May 16 1717, John Bacon chosen built their meetinghouse (p. 13 vol 2) 
Rep. 5th of May 1719 Cap. Jos Lothrop 

2.5th September 1717 voted "Mr Gar- & 1726 
ret's Killing a wolf 9 pounds 1720 & 1721 Shubal Gorham Rep 

March 4, 1718 Selectmen, Capt, 1722-172.5 Major S. G. 
John Bacon Left. John Thacher & 10th May 1722, Col. Otis appointed 
Serjeant Joseph Smith Chn of a Com. to see where house 

"Voted yt the" former act made for for the poor can best be erected^ 
the Incouragement of the Killing of 16 pounds raised for Rep. 50 pounds 
wolves is repealed and no more shall for school master &c. 
be paid by this town for the Killing Sept 8, 1723. Major Gorham & 2 
of wolves till the Town see cause others appointed on part of town to 
otherwais to order" bring by arbitration to an issue the 

Then at abovesd Town meeting ye controversy with John Bacon Esq the 
return from ye General Court in Bos- title to land where stands the school 
ton of ye Towns settlement into two House at Strawberry Hill (?) & to 
two precincts was publicly read — fix boundaries & settle the suits — 
13th May 1718 chose 3 selectmen to March 19, 1734 Ct of Sessions (John 
add to Mr. Bacon & Left Thacher Sturgis Clerk) approed bylaw that 
viz — Esq. Parker, Ensign Bacon & all male inhts 24 yrs. old or marled 
John Lewes shall kill 4 grown crows, blackbirds 

May 22 1718. Chose Capt Shubal or blue jays an. on penalty of 9d 
Gorham representative per head — except aged, infirm minis- 

2 March 1719. voted to raise 120 ters & school-masters, 
pounds for settlement of a minister p. 60, 1735 Sheep shall from Dec. 1 
when Mr. Russell is settled in one of to March 1 an. with redding, black- 
the two precincts ing or other colouring to distinguish 

voted to raise 60 pounds, 40 pounds them from strays. March 11, 1735 
for 6 mos. salary of Mr. Russell & 40s encouragement for every wild 
20 pounds for new minister cat & 20s every young one killed. 

Col. Otis, Esq. Parker, Capt Loth- 1736 p.63 Com to report on condi- 
rop, Dea. Chipman, Left Lewes, John tion of Great Bridge. 
Lewes, Left. Thacher & Capt Crock- June 30 1736 voted not to lay out a 
er com. to wait on Mi-. Russell and way from Dea Bacon's Gate to ye 
ask him to make choice wh. pre- Mill, because "the Town presume 
cinct he will go to to be minister of. they have had a Gate from sd Gate 

33 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

to ye mill below Capt James Lewes ing or precinct he wd. go to preach 
Line out of mind." do. Town Clerk be put upon record &c. which is as 
to transcribe from old Town Book followeth "Whereas this Town is 
into new one such articles as now divided & become two precincts 
are likely to be of future use & 5 & have (by Committee chosen for yt 
pounds to be allowed him towards end) made aplication to me according 
transcribing. Jan. 6 1736. to have to the Town's vote to know what 
two grammar schools — but 11th presinct I would be minister of or 
March voted to proceed no farther preach to, I therefore by way of an- 
therein unless two Masters are al swer reply, yt though I was settled 
ready engaged. with so great unanimity both in 

At meeting March 2-5, 1736 at East Church & Town as yt neither pre- 
Meeting House "Deacon Baker chose cinct hath more reason to reject mee 
Moderator & disaccepted. Capt Loth- than I have to leave the whole and 
rop chose & disaccepted. Dr. Russell desire my disniissal, from them & 
chose Moderator & accepted." 1737-8 though on divers accounts it seems 
Dr. Russell chose Representative— most natural for me to abide in the 
Col. Shubael Gorham, Serg't Joseph precinct where I now am; yet since 
Smith David Crocker Esq Selectmen there is such a number who are so 
May 16, 1739, at meeting at East M prejudiced or disaffected and so sett 
H., Col. Gorham Moderator & chosen against my being there; as yt my life 
representative. is likely there to be rendered less 

"voted that Deacon Baker & Mr. Jos- comfortable to me & perhaps my 
eph Hamlin be appointed a Commit- ministry less profitable to them— to- 
tee to treat with Mr. Marston about gether with some other reasons yt 
a passage for alewives thro his dam, might be mentioned; presuming also 
view the premises & report to Town yt there is a very general if not uni- 
thereon" 1739 Marston 1st time versal desire in the West End yt I 

"Selectmen allowed for making rates should come to them; presuming like- 
A.D. 1739 viz. wise yt you will shortly be in a 

To Joseph Smith 7 days 2:2, readiness to receive mee; I think it 

To Deacon Davis 7 days 2:2 best for me to decline a settlement 

To David Crocker 8 days 2:8 i" ye East, and rather prefer a West- 

To sd Crocker for Expenses viz 22 ern Settlement if it may by any 
dinners at 2s 2:4 means comfortably to be obtained. 

2 horses 7 days at Is 14 Wishing the Spirit, presence and 

20 sheets paper 2s— 6d 2:6 blessing of Christ may be aforded 

At th^ mvn Meeting the 3d Septem- to both precincts, I subscribe yours 
ber 18l5r.then voted Mr. Russells in him JONATHAN RUSSELL 

choice which he made to which meet- Barnstable 

34 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

April 23d 172n, Col. Otis Mdr. ask fOr term of Superior Court here 

Proposal made at sd. meeting by 1727 120 pounds to be raised for 
John Bacon Esq in the behalf of Town Charges. 

himself & Mr. Samuel Annable re- Name of James Otis first appears in 
lat'ing to the action now depending Town book Jan. 11, 1727 (drawn as 
in reference to their demands as to petty juror) iMch 15, 1728 surveyor 
a division of the Common meadows Oct. 31, on following Com., Jury man 
&c— as followeth July Court 1728 

I If the Town will defray the Oct, 31, 1727 Major Shubael Gor- 
charges of the sd action which they ham was made chairman of a com of 
have been at hithertoo. That they 13 to prevent Indians, negroes & oth- 
the sd John Bacon & Samuel Anna- ers, disorderly persons, found often 
ble will bear their own cost & ex- in the night season; and frequenting 
pence that they have been out hereto, of publick houses after nine of ye 
2d— That they will then withdraw clock in ye evening contrary to law- 
their appeal and prosecute ye matter March 15, 1728 voted to have but 
no further. 5 selectmen, Major Shubael Gorham 

3th That Iff the major part of the -^lodr & Chn Bd Selectn. 
proprietors will subscribe & promise May 9, Col Shubael Gorham Mod & 
to forbear the continuing or prosecu- chosen Rape 

ting of any action of the like nature Town voted to take its part of the 
for ever, they will do the same. These 6000 pounds loan. Voted that the 
proposals were accepted by the Town Trustees shd. not let out less than 5 
& the clerk was to take the vote and pounds nor more than 10 pounds the 
obtain as many signers as he can — first daj' — not more than 20 pounds, 
signed by 37 — Jno Otis, Sr & Jr. second, to any one man after the 2d 
Shubal Gorham & S. G. Jr. day to rise 10 pounds per day. To 

John Bacon occasionally Modera- loan on personal security; of a prin- 
ter cipal & security, both to be freehold- 
March 17, 1726 Col Otis Mod. Ma- ers; chose three trustees ie Col Shu- 
jor Shubal Gorhaiii chairman of Se- bael Gorham, Major John Thacher, 
lectmen (S) ^Ii'- David Crocker, who were to have 
Nathl Otis Town Clerk 1725-6 Id comn Voted, that the 4d per 
March 3, 1727 Major Shubal Gor- an. be pd to Province Treasurer & 
ham. Moderator Chm of Bd. of Sect- the 2d to Town Treasr 
men, of the Surveyors, Moderator 29th May 1728. A com, was ap- 
March 31 27 pointed to prevent encroachments on 
Capt John Otis Modr -at meeting lands "laid out for public & pious 
Jan, 11. 1727 uses." 

Sept, 21,1727 Rep instructed to Selectmen 1729 Col. Shubael Gor- 

35 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

ham. Major John Thacher Capt. Jos- orders: 1731: Mr. Bourn and ib to 
eph Hinkley Dea Samll Chipman prepare proposal as to Province 
Lieut Joseph Smith Jas Otis survey- Treasurers Comn on Treasury — Re- 
or. Sylvanus Bourn in place of port. Vol 2 p. 42 — 1732 on Com. to 
John Otis deed, to manage the school consider cattle &c on Sandy Neck 
lot- Report p. 45 (refers to use of Saiidy 

Jan. 15, 1729 meeting to choose jury- Neck for whaling.) Aug. 15, 1732 
men James Otis, Moderator — & on Com. 

March 7, 1729 meeting to choose ^f ^j^ qqi Gorham is Chm to pre- 
Town officers— adjourned to March vent disorders by Servants & others 
27 p. 45 — of town to provide school- 

April 2 meeting to choose Jurymen master — 1733, fence viewer; on 
May 19 meeting to choose Reuresen- Com. to prevent trespasses on lot 
tative near middle of the Town laid out for 

June 11 meeting to choose Jurymen public and pious uses; on Com. to 
Oct, 14 meeting to choose Jurymen consider of sale of the School lot — 
Oct. 29 meeting for school and other Oct. 23d 1734, James Otis Esq. Com 
business on sundry matters 

Dec 29 meeting David Crocker chos- Jan. 9, 1735. Moderator: (p 64) of 
en Town Clerk in place of Nathl Com. to rebuild ye Great Bridge 
Otis — deceased — 9 Town meetings Oct 6, 1737, Moderator; Petition of. 
Mch 6, 1730 Col. Gorham Modr & Harwich & Towns below that 
Chn Selectmen March 3d 1737, of Com. to oppose in 

3 Surveyors of West, among whom Gen Ct, the 2 

Capt. John Otis Oct 6, 173C, Moderator; terms of C. 

3 Surveyors of West among whom Ct. are to be held in Eastham. 
Col Shubael Gorham March 3, 1737 an. meeting — Expenses 

P. 38. 40 pounds due E. Precinct & 30 for trouble (3) 
Bourne lived there & many other occasions 

Capt. Lothrop, Major Thacher & Dea- March 12, 1739 James Otis, John 
con Baker, Com. to purchase a spot Otis Sylvanus Bourne, Col. Gorham 
of land for a burying place at the et al chosen Hogreeves- 
West end of the Town (p. 76) 

1731 S. G. Chn Selectmen & Modera- March 30, 1742. Moderator 

tor 1741-2 on various committees — 1744 

1732 S. G. Chn Selectmen & Modera- Towns Ag't about Benj Marston's 
tor petn to Ct Gen. Sessions abt way & 

James Otis bridge 

James Otis juryman 1727 — 8 — Sur- 1744. Selectman — also 1745, 1746-7- 
veyor, 1728; on com. to suppress dis- 8 1749 — 1760-1-2 — 1768-9 

36 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Representative 1745, 1746-7-8 (all 80 Nathll Otis born ye 9 of April 1743 & 
polls") (1755 unanimously 70) 9-51— died ye 13 of April 1743 

52 — 53 4-5 1756 — 1760-1-2- (cho- Oct. 20 1768. Col. Otis Moderator. 

sen May 12, but Ed. Bacon chosen .Joseph Otis Esq. (43 yrs.) was cho- 
Sep 20 following — probably Col, sen chm of agents for West Prect. 
Otis of the Council)" School District- 

1767-8-9-70 — Elected to Council & on two committees. 

(170) "Com. to Keep ye West bury- March meeting - 24, 1772 at East 
ing place fenced & notfed — M. H. Col. .James Otis, moderator, 

Mch 23, 1747 Major .John Otis Mod- his son .Joseph was chosen select- 
erator at many meetings & on many man in his stead. Meeting was ad- 
Coms on 5 such at March meeting, journed to March 30 at West M. H. 
1759 — Col. Otis still Moderater. "Voted 

1761-2-3-4 was almost invariably Mod- to give the Hon. James Otis Esq. 
erator & on every important Com- Thanks for his good services he has 
mittee. First on Herring Brook done this Town" 45 years. He was 
fishery in 1741 — to 16 — 26 yrs. then of the Council, May 21, 1772 
again in 11 again Moderator. & March 10, 1773 

P. 210 "London Negro man, servant He had probably declined to be again 
to James Otis Esq and Bathsheba Selectman — 
Lowardy, an Indian, Dec'r 19, 1760 March meeting, March 8 1732, there 

Notice Entd & Pubd — were chosen — 

Vol 2, p. 307 "James Otis and Mary 8 petit jurymen for March Court 
Allyn, married by Mr. Elisha Wil- 6 jurymen for Superior Court 
liams of Wethersfield May the 14th Town Meeting March 9 chosen 
1724 Their son James born 5th Fery 5 selectmen, 3 Constables, 4 Survey- 
1724-5 Son Joseph born March 6th ors, 4 fence viewers 4 Tything men, 
1725-6, Mercy 14 Sept. 1728 — 'Mary Town Treasurer, Clerk of the market 
9th Sept 1730 Hannah — 31 July Sealer of Leather, Town clerk 7 Hog 
1732, Nathaniel 9 July 1734 and died reeves. Com of 9 about Sandy Neck 
13 January following— Nov. 29, 1732 (p. 47) Report as 

Martha born Oct. 9, 1736 died Nov. to division of schools in E. & W. 
25 following Precincts — in each 1 year. When In 

Abigial, born 30 June 1738 died 31 E. P. school be Kept near M. H. 42 
July 1738 weeks «S: new House of Thos. Had- 

Daughter Elizabeth Otis, born 1 Sept, daway 10 weeks — when in W. P. 
1739: Son Samuel Allyn Otis, born near house of Mr. John Howland 33 
Nov. 24, 1740 weeks near house of Benjamin Good- 

Sarah Otis born ye 11 of April 1742 speed Sr 14 w. 3 days & near house 
& died 5 of May, 1742 of James Lovel Jr 4 w 4 days — This 

37 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

arrangement for 4 yrs. (Col. Gorham resigned or deed?) 

Mar. 13, 1733 Edwd Sturges chosen 1740 John Gorham, David Crocker, 
Constable & declined. Voted, that Robt Davis Selectn 
Selectmen summon him to give rea- 1740 1st mention of Cornelius Crock- 
son if any there be why he don't pay er (as Grand Juryman) 
his fine for not serving". 1741. S. Bourn Rep. 2d time at West 

Major Thacher, Serj't Smith David M. H. May 13 
Crocker Selectmen (5 for some yrs) & 1742 S. Bourn Rep at East M. H. 

p. 49 "Schoolmaster be desired to June 24. 
refuse to entertain or instruct any Oct 19 to build house (for 30 
child whose parent, master or guar- pounds) for Saml Phinneys use at 
dian does not provide proportionate West end as one of the poor of the 
share of wood or money to procure Town: house to be for Town's use 
it" from time to time." House, however. 

Town meetings sometimes held cost 41:8 
in East & West meeting houses for March 11, 1741. Ebenezer Bacon 
specific purposes (see p. 49) Constable — John Otis Esq Town 

Mayy 23, 1733. Shubal Gorham ap- Treasurer several yrs. 
pointed to procure assent of Gen. Ct. Joseph Lothrop, James Otis, David 
to sale of lot reserved for support Crocker Esqs. Com to consider ex- 
of schools & proceeds to be invested pediency of Towns making a bridge 
on land security for same purpose across road near Mr. Benj. Mars- 
(53) Mch. 13, 1733. that common ton's mill on account of breach made 
marsh be improved towards support by the water from mill pond & also 
of Town's poor what slid, be done to promote pas- 

For several years Capt John Otis & sage 'of alewives above the dam, ac- 
Major John Thacher, moderators of cording to law. 

Town meetings — p. S6 charges of Town abt poor & 

(see page 46 — over for doings of ' sick Indians & Rep. for 1742 to mem- 
several yrs here entd there by mis- orialize Gen. Ct. for reimbursement 
take) over & security agst future charge 

Mch 12, 1739 Premium of 4d per Dec. 16, 1742 Benjn Marston, one of 
head on crows, jays & blackbirds 3 school agents 

killed by inhts of Bl. bet. 10 April & March 21, 1742 30 pounds to Clerk 
10 June for transcribing records out of Old 

May 21, 1740 at West M. H. Col. Gor- Book. James Otis 3 pounds, John 
ham Representative On same page Sturges 4 pounds, Joseph Lothrop 3 
entry of meeting 12th June 1740 at pounds for comparing the records. 
East M. H. when "Major Sylvanus 1743, Robert Davis Rep. by major 
Bourn Esq. chosen Representative" part of ye Electors present 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

1743 p. 97. James Otis Chn of town er a man's bpinsr a non-eloctor is a 
reported scheme for school round the bar to his being chosen Town 
Town 4 yrs. 5 mos Troasr" voted NO. Dissent re- 

Dec. 17, 1744, Col John Thacher Mod- corded by order of :Moderator Col. 
erator Bourn, of Col. Otis, John Otis & 24 

p. 102. others— 

Mch. 18, 1744 — voted that Benjamin Isaac Hinckley. Town Clerk — 

Blatchford's daughter be under ye .Jan. 4, 1750 William Lovell gives 
regulation of ye Selectmen as to a Town land for burying ground on 
Doctor — Jas. Otis Chairn South side on West side of way 

17th May 174.5 Voted to remit cer- Northward of Jacob Lovell's home 
tain taxes to Ebeur Bacon, "late con- land — not signed though T. Clerk 
stable, as desperate." certified "Compared" 

Mch, 1747 — 10 s. for one yr. for "Informers of Deer, Pa,ckers of fish, 
every red fox killed, ears brot to Se- Surveyors of flax &c <SrC chosen at 
lectmen different times — Abt. Common 

p. 114 Shubael Gorham & Elisha Fields — Sandy Neck Wood Corder- 
Lumbart give land for way from Lt. Mch. 14, 175.'', "Voted by the town 
Ebenezer Leyes land to ye Old try that they will give to Nathll Ewer 
House & so to ye Shoar at South forty shillings lawful money towards 
Sea" Mch. 21 1747 Edwd Bacon's his charge in sending for Doctor How 
name first appears as witness to to his son Silas, in case the Doctor 
these deeds 36 yrs aft is sent for — Also, it is desired by 

May 16, 174S Col. Sylvanus Bourn, the Town in case the Doctor comes 
Moderator. that the selectmen apply to him In 

May 16, 174.S Voted 10 pounds old behalf of Joseph Ewer and use their 
Tenor to Mr. Marston in full for discretion as to improving of him." 
Herring passage 17."4 Robert Davis chosen Town 

July 6 " leave for Elisha Lumbert Clerk 

to build wharf at his own cost, and Silvanus Bourn, .Joseph Blish Jr. Dan- 
end of new way at West side Hyan- iel Davis selectmen in 1752 & sevar- 
nos Harbour. Inhts to land them- al years after, 
selves and goods, wharf free 17.54 fp. 145) By law about colour- 

p. 124. Col Otis agent to petition ing stray sheep with three distinct 
Gen. Ct. for act restraining "rams strokes across back & ear marks to 
within this town from time to time, be entered with Town Clerk 
so that Lambs may come sooner" — Aug. 22, 1754 "voted that that part 
Edward Bacon Juryman 1749 — 37 of the Excise bill which relates to 
yrs. ye private consumption of wines & 

March IS, 1750. on question "wheth- spirits distilled in their opinion is 

39 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

salutary and necessary— passing af- 1762 — Aug 23 1774, Jan 4 1775 
firmative— Town Clerk 1764-5-6-7-8 

page 148 settlement of schools— Col. Selectman 1756-7-8-9-60-1-2-3— 
Otis chn of Com At town meeting 1769 — no office 

1756. Daniel Davis, Edward Bacon, except to settle with Town Treasur- 
Isaac Hinkley Jr. Selectmen (1757 & er 

1758-9) John Gorham Esq. Modera- p. 160 Disposition of Schools for 4 
tor (often about this time "Voted, yrs & 5 mos. 1757 
that Mr. Marston shall have liberty Nov 25, 1758 "voted to dismiss Mr. 
to catch one quarter of ye alewives Benj Marston's request Respecting 
that may be ordered for marketing his having any part of the priviledge 
for this year for his own use for ser- of the herring brook near his mills, 
vice done to let the fish up to spawn same action 1759 (p. 167) 
& for that he is to take care to let Voted to inspect Selectmens accts 
them down". for Extraordinary Expenses & Ser- 

(p. 154) "Voted that Cornelius Dex- vices about the small pox & report 
ter be under ye immediate inspec- certain of those accts allowed p. 164 
tion of Mr. Isa^c Hinkley Jr & in Among others acct of Sheriff Gor- 
case he misbehave ye selectmen are ham(?) 8s 

directed to regulate him as ye law same meeting, Cornelius Crocker & 
Directs." Orris Bacon to "make a fence round 

May 5, 1756 John Bear chosen petit East burying ground adjoining meet- 
Jury Superior Court ing House — of boards & white oak 
July 21, 1756 Josept Otis Esq. chos- post on fore side and the posts and 
en Moderator rails now there to be used to amend 
Voted Surveyor in ye West Pre- the back side" — C. Crockers bill pd 
cinct be Desired to take proper aid (p. 168) 9:1:4 

to clear out ye Rubbish & founderous 2 shillings to any one killing a Red 
remains over Mr. Marston's waste fox, old or young (167) 
water so that it may not be so dan- Voted to fence burying ground in 
gerous & the selectmen shall make East end of town, near Ebenezer 
application to Ct. G. S. for a way Bearse's Daniel Davis, Edward Bacon, 
round by Joseph Goodspeed's James Otis, selectmen of B11760 — 

Edward Bacon chosen Representative ideal Board & 1761 
1757-8-9-1762. Joseph Otis, surveyor of ways. 

Sept. 20 (after Otis prob. chosen of Otis many years chn 
council) 1772-73-74 — 1778-79 —twice "Regulators of the Herring Brook" 

(March 18, 1777 — Mch. 13d p. 172 
1779 do. 3) Informers of the breakers of the 

Do Moderator (Sept. 27, 1757 Jan 6, Deer Act 

40 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Committee to answer petition of men's land adjoining" — 
Towns in tlie County, Respecting the "Voted tliat the Selectmen Inquire 
lessening terms of Court see ?«Iemor- into the circumstances of Joannah 
ial among papers by E. Bacon — Jas Bearse and take care of her if they 
Otis, David Gorliam, Ed. Bacon. think it necessary and inquire into ye 

1760 Benj. Marston to have M matter of the Estate her late hus- 
herrings, if he can free passage way band left her for her support & to 
up & down & keep his dam in re- see if the same be not embezzled or 
pair between the Ponds & erect same lost." 

if any accident happen thereto the Jas. Otis, Edd. Bacon & Nym Mar- 
ensuing year. ston to repair great Bridge & Brdige 
Oct. 21, 17t)0 voted to have tv.^o near Mr. Marston's, 
school masters, one in West & one May 12, 1763 & May 17, 1704, Cor- 
in E. Precinct Nymphas Marston et nelins Crocker chosen Rep. 
al Com. in West & Edward Bacon Nov. 25, 1763 Coll Otis Mod. Vot- 
Chn of Com', in East ed to raise 133:6 to defray charge of 
1762 Jas. Otis, Edward Bacon, Nym- building & repairing Great Bridge 
phas Marston, Selectmen Town Col. Otis agent for the purpose 
Clerk, Daniel Davis — lb. in 1763 200 pounds for other town charges — 

The "School lot" was near the To employ 2 schoolmasters 
beach p. 183 1764 selectmen Isaac Hinckley Nym- 

Burying grounds looked after: to be Phas Marston Daniel Davis 
looked after; to be kept fenced &c— April 13, 1764. Nymphas Marston Esq 
at East part and a^ the Highannus" Moderator 

"voted that no person shall be en- p. 201 Marriages solemnized by Rev 
titled to any bounty for any young Jos Green 

fox taken out of the old foxe's belly" p. 201 IMarriages solemnized by Da- 
Parker Lumbert left land to the vid Gorham Esq. 
poor of the town p.p. 184-192 p. 201 Marriages solemnized by Rev. 

Sept 20. 1762 (p. 189) Edwd Ba- Oakes Shaw 
con chosen Rep. Jas. Otis Mod. & notices of intention pp. 202. 207 
chose 12 Sheep yarders ~ Voted to Sturgis Gorham's mark 1764 & 1793 
employ 2 school-masters ,(Jas Otis, (203) Ear marks of cattle «S:c."Janies 
Isaac Hiukley, Edward Bacon, Nym- Otis Esq a hole in the left ear & 2 
phas Marston, Capt Jesse Lewis, Dea halfpenriys in the Right one on each 
Robert Davis chosen agents). Every side the ear and some have a cross 
person shall bring his ear mark to in ye right ear besides the two half- 
record before Nov. ].5th next — To pennys Sept 20, 1782 
choose a com. out of town to settle Vol 2 pp. 206-7 &c. notices of mar- 
bounds of school-lot with particular riage, birth, posting cattle &c 

41 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

lost or found, notices of attendance proper Rec't for Said Town Stock," 
on Baptist meeting «S;c &c . "Voted, to Chuse a committee to 

P. 304 marriages by Col. John Otis draw up some Instructions for Nym- 
1711 —1724 phas Marston Esq. The Towns' Rep- 

P. 311 Isaiah Lewis Green, born resentative at the present critical 
Dec. 28, 1761, son of Mr. Joseph Conjuncture; said Commitee to re- 
Green Jr. port to the Town at an adjournment 
Vol. 3 "Barnstable Town Book, of this meeting. — Voted that David 
1765 Gorham, Esq, Messrs. Daniel Davis, 
March 7, 1765 Col. Otis Moderator INIathias Smith, Eli Phinney, and Dea- 
June 18, Danl Davis Town Treasr in con Timothy Chipman be a commit- 
room of Rob. Davis deed tee for this purpose & then the meet- 
& 1766-7 Daniel Davis, Eli Phin- ing was adjourned to Wednesday 
nej', Mathias Fuller Selectmen Ed- next at 3 o'clk afternoon 
ward Bacon, Town Clerk Surveyors May 20, 1766 — Col. Otis, Ed Bacon 
of ways, Col Otis, N. Marston, 2 of & Saml Linell to Exchange to ex- 
5 Surveyors of wheat, of whom Eli change \'7esterly end of the School 
Phiney one Lot (on the South side of this Town, 

Nymphas Marston Rep. 1765 & 1766 for a piece of medow & some skirts 
E. Bacon & Jas. Otis on various com- of upland adjoining — 
mittees- Oct, 20, 1766 "The committee on 

to take care of the severall burying the Rebuilding the house on the 
places in Town. Mr Oris Bacon Town's land lately Parker Lum hart's 
Old burying place in East Precinct reported it was their opinion that it 
Mr Thomas Allvn for the burying would be for the benefit of the Town 
place near Job Rowlands Mr Nath to rebuild said house, which report 
Howland East burying place at the was not accepted and the affair was 
South side. Mr. Saml Liniel at the dismissed" Com. Col. Jas Otis, Edd 
Middle. Ensign Benjamin Lumbort, Bacon & Messrs. Cornelius Crocker, 
at the West end on South side. Cor- Adino Hinkley & Ebenezer Jenkins 
nejius Lovell 1767, March, 11, "voted to continue 

(Jas, Otis Moderator) the bounty of Two Shill per head 

Oct. 9, 1765 "Voted, that the Se- for Killing Red Foxes In this Town 
lectmen take the town stock of pow- ^s has been of late used — 
der, bullets and flints out of the Voted, that John Blish be allowed to 
hands of Deacon Davis Executrix & Draw out of the Treasury Twenty 
replace it in safe hands for said Shillings in full for one year's house 
Town's use, where the powder can Rent for the French people to this 
be shifted from time to time. In or- day — 
der to Keep it good, they taking a 2 bills of Dr. Kersey's allowed do. 

42 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

21:1 — 19:1 poor to be sent there, wood to be 

1768 & 1769-70 Selectmen James cut for their use off poor lot, garden 
Otis Capt. Daniel Davis Eli Phinney spot to be marked out and fenced & 
Town Treasurer still Daniel Davis to keep a cow there for ye use of ye 
Saml Jenkins Town Clerk in 1769 & poor 

1770 May 8, 1769 "voted that the se- 

in place of E. B. lectmon cloath & cleanse Silas Ch'ilds 

Col. Otis, Edwd Bacon & others & hire him out at their discretion", 
appointed (Vol. 3 p. 17) to build a Oct. 26 1769 voted, "that the inhabi- 
house for poor on land late Parker tants above the wood lots have liber- 
Lumbart's to 26 ft. square & one ty to draw their proportion of the 
story high money laid out for schools & dispose 

"On a vote bping called for to Know of the same in Schooling, as they 
the mind of the Town whether they Kink proper,"' . 

will come into any measure to pro- ^Meetings more frequently held in 
mote industry, economy & manufac- West M. H. than in the E. M. H. 
tures among us, it passed in the neg- Meetings about schools in the fall— 
ative." Col. Jas Otis Moderator, el- Red fox bounty of 2s per hd. coll- 

ected Rep. &c tind one copper per crowe.s, black- 

p. 18. "At a Town meeting nam- birds & jays next spring, 
ed and held on Wednesday the 28th March 19, 1770 Meeting at E. M. 
of Sept. 1768, David Gorhara Esq. H. adjourned to (?) at Cornelius 
Moderator: In order to Know the Crock^j-'s house, by Moderator, Col 
Towns mind whether they would send Otis. 

one or more persons to joyn a com- John Crocker Jr. allowed for sup- 
mittee at Boston to consult what Port of poor 24:17:1 & meeting ad- 
might be thought proper to be done journed to 26th Mch. at W. M. H. 
Respecting our Ptiblick affairs &r. p. 29 — Bound between Mashpee 
agreeable to the warrant on file, and & Bl. Controversy settled by Corns, 
after considerable debate on the af- Col. Otis, Edwd Bacon & Daniel Da- 
fair, sd meeting was adjourned to vis for Bl 

Wednesday the 5th day of Oct then Aug. 9. 1770 Daniel Davis chosen 
next following, At said adjournment representative in room of the Hon. 
the Inhabitants being met and hear- James Otis Esq. who was elected in- 
ing said committee, was broke up. to his Majestys Council, Davis also 
Did not act at all in the affair and in '^'''''^ 

the Moderator declared sd. the meet- >March 7, 1771, Selectmen James Otis 
ing to be over &c — 'V Nymphas IMarston Daniel Davis 

Jan 12, 1769. Poor house accepted. Constable Eli Phinney who refused 
John Crocker Jr put in charge of & was excused. 

43 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Col. Otis & Bacon on a variety of P.M. at West M. H. when voted "to 
Corns add four more gentlemen to the Corn- 

Voted, that there may be a school mittee who are to take under con- 
house set up partly on the Highway sideration the request of a number 
against the Old Burying Place in of respectable freeholders &c and 
Barnstable on the North side of the report at May meeting. Then was 
way agreeable to what was inserted added for sd. purpose Mr. Eli Phin- 
in the Warrant. ney. Major Otis, Ebenezer Jenkins, 

Voted, to allow Mr. Josiah Crocker Capt. Eben Smith 

the sum of six pounds for his disap- Mch. 10, 1773 "Voted that Cornel- 
pointment in not keeping school six ius Crocker & Shearjashub Bourne 
weeks in the year 1769 have liberty to set up a chaise house 

p. 37 Agree't about bank for founda- on the meeting house hill in the East 
tion of Great Bridge Precinct sufficient for two chaises 

Nov 7, 1771 Town voted to raise with two horses tackled:" 
285 pounds to pay Town's debts & May 1, 1773 Report of Com. ap- 
maintain the poor & one grammar pointed at March meeting was read 
schoolmaster " & accepted. Col. Otis Moderator 

Voted to have one common school on- voted that the aforesd report be for 
ly. Voted not to raise any bounty instructions to our present Represen- 
on crows &c. for the present^ tative 

March 24, 1772 & 1773— selectmen Voted that the Town Clerk deliver 
Daniel Davis Esq & Treasr Joseph an attested copy of the sd report to 
Otis Nymphas Marston Josiah Crock- sd Representative and that he cause 
er Town Clerk Col Otis Moderator the same to be printed in the pub- 
Ed. Bacon on important Com — to W. lick newspapers" 

M. H. Nymphas Marston 's account for re- 

March 10, 1773, "Voted that Col. pairing Bridge at Marston's mill (as 
Otis, Daniel Davis Esq Edv.-ard Ba- sole agent) allowed 15:4 
con Esq Nymphas Marston Esq; Cor- (p. 51) Nov. 10 1773. Town voted 
nelius Crocker be a committee ' to not to accept report of Col. Otis, 
take under consideration the request Esqs. Marston, Bacon, Annable, Da- 
of a number of freeholders, (who vis, Elis Phinney, Maj. Otis, Joseph 
have set forth that our liberties are Bursley, Edmund Hinkley about man- 
encroached) our rights as stated by agement of schools — Reconsidered 
the Committee of Correspondence of its vote appropriating 133:6:8 for 
the Town of Boston and the infringe- schools, and "voted not to raise but 
ments of the same & make report at eighty pounds for the present year 
the adjournment of this meeting." for schooling but to procure two 
Meeting adjourned to 22d Mch at 2 grammar school masters. 

44 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Voted to allow Mr. John Lewis Keep the same in their hands till fur- 
for Sunday serviee, it being the sum iher order of this Town & the Town 
of eighteen shillings and ten pence will indemnify sd. Constables." 
18:10 ''The question being put whether the 

March 16, 1774 Col. Jas Otis Mod- town will purchase any small arms, 
erator it passed in the negative. 

Daniel Davis Joseph Otis Nymphas "The question being put whether the 
Marston selectmen Town will purchase any further sup- 

Town Treas, Daniel Davis ply of ammunition but what is al- 

Town Clerk Josiah Crocker ready provided, it passed in the nega- 

May 17, Col Otis Modr E. Bacon tive." 
Rep. "In respect to encouraging minute 

"Chequaquit" in Town Records, p. 58 men, the Town declined acting." 

Sept. 21, 1774 Col. Otis modera- ..^^ ^^^^^^ ^ Committee of Inspec- 
tor, Daniel Davis was chosen Repre- ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ association of the 
sentative & Hon. Jas. Otis, Major continental Congress be carried into 
Otis, Eli Phinney, Dr. Abner Hersey. Execution, so far as it respects Im- 
1st time in office, Mr. Joseph Hallet p^rts & Exports only, the acting ac- 
were chosen a Com. to draw up in- wording to the serverel times fixed 
structions to him & report sd p. 60 ^^ ^^^ association, 
vol. 3. Report made Sept 26, 1774 
(Public Papers) 

Com. to join with Corn's of other 
Towns to prevent disorders & of cor- 
respondence Oct 12 1774 Col Otis 
Mod. were James Otis Major Otis. "Voted to Refer the appropriation of 
Danl Davis, Dr Abner Hersev Messrs ^^^ County Congress' Resolves to 
Eli Phinney, Joseph Hallet & George "^xt March meeting. The Town 
Lewis to be chosen by papers and declined to send any person to the 
four to make a quorum Provincial Congress." 

Jan. 4 1775 Col Ed Bacon Mod. "At a Town meeting legally named 
voted not to pay taxes to Harrison & held at Barnstable on 24th day of 
Gray nor H'y Gardner till Town or- January 1775, the Hon. James Otis 
(jers. Elsq was chosen Moderator. Votd, to 

"voted, that the assessors make re- send a person to the Provincial Con- 
turn to Harrison Gray Esq as usual." gress to be held at Cambridge on 
"Voted, that the former constables Feb. next and Daniel Davis Esq was 
who have any money in their hands chosen for sd purpose." 
for a province tax which was made March 24, 1775 selectmen Daniel Da- 
before March 1774 that they shall vis & Town Treas. Joseph Otis Nym- 

45 



"Then were chosen for the above 
Purpose Col. James Otis, Col. Bacon, 
Esq. Davis, Esq. Marston & Major 
Otis. 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

phas Marston Avardens, Deer Reeves collected for a Province Tax, that 
&c. Josiah Crocker Town Clerk they collect & pay the same to Hen- 

"At a town meeting legally named & ry Gardner Esq. 

held on the 25th day of April A. D. That Capt Willn Taylor, Capt. James 
1775 at the East Meeting house in Davis, & Daniel Davis Esq be a com- 
said Town, the Hon. James Otis Esq. mittee to confer with the Committees 
was chosen Moderator. The follow- of Yarmouth & Sandwich about set- 
Ing business was transacted, agreea- tling a post between here & Boston, 
ble. to the warrant on file. Voted, not to give Esq. Davis any in- 

Voted, To purchase a number of structions. 

small arms, to be disposed of as the Voted, not to add any person to the 
Town shall think proper. Provincial Congress" 

Voted, to purchase one hundred & Voted to allow John Crocker's ac- 
Twenty small arms. count for sundry supplies for the 

Voted, To raise money to purchase poor — 20:11:8 

ammunition to be added to the Com- Thus endeth the business of the 
mon Stock" Day" 

Voted To raise the sum of three At a Town (Meeting) Legally named 
hundred pounds to purchase small & held at the West meeting house in 
arms and ammunition, to be dis- Barnstable on ye 25th day of May 
posed of as the Town shall think 1775 the Hon. James Otis Esq Mod- 
proper, erator — the following business was 
Voted that Daniel Davis Esq. Col. transacted, agreeable to the warrant 
Joseph Otis & Mr. Eli Phinney be on file. 

a Committee for to purchase arms Voted, to send two members to the 
& ammunition & hire the money for Provincial Congress to be held at 
the Town's use. Watertown on ye 31st of May instant 

Voted, To leave it to the discretion and Col. Joseph Otis & Daniel Davis 
of the above Committee about dis- Esq was chosen unanimously for said 
posing of the arms «6; ammunition. purpose. 

Voted, that three military watches be Voted, Thall persons refusing to at- 
settled in town, till further order of tend military watches be proceeded 
this Town, without any charge to the with agreeable to the law of this 
Town. province in that case made and pro- 

That the Military watches be un- vided. 
der the direction of the several Cap- At Town meeting in East M. H. 
tains, viz. James Davis, Ebenezer July 6, 1775 for the choice of Repre- 
Jenkins, Benjamin Lumbart. - sentative, the town voted to send 

Voted, that the Constables who have two, and Daniel Davis Esq. & Col. 
any money in their hands or to be Joseph Otis was chosen by the ma- 

46 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

jor part of the electors present. 29 Nov, 1775 at East M. H. Danl 
Daniel Davis was chosen Moderator. Davis, Moderator — 
Voted, to choose a committee of Safe- Voted, to reconsider the votes that 
ty. and Capt William Taylor Deacon ^e passed last April for reissuing 
Jonathan Crocker, Messrs John Lewis the sum of three hundred pounds to 
Joseph Hallet Eli Phinney, John purchase arms & ammunition — To 
Crocker .Jr. and Samuel Crocker, make an addition to the town Stock 
were chosen for said purpose. of Powder — To purchas three & a 
Voted to choose a committee to half Barrels of Powder to be added 
draw up instructions for the Com- to the Town Stock & that the Se- 
mittee of safety and report to the lectmen do warehouse the same. 
Town immediately & the selectmen March 5, 1776, Selectmen Daniel Da- 
were chosen for said purpose. Voted vis & Treasurer, Nymphas Marston 
to excuse Daniel Davis Esq. from Ebenezer Jenkins. Josiah Crocker 
serving on said Committee and Capt. ^own Clerk 

Sturgis Gorham was chosen in his ^.^^^^ ^^^ to choose Wardens or Tyth- 

place. Committees report was ac- jj^^. j^^^j^ 

cepted ie. "That this Committee or "^^ ^ ^ 

^ „ ,, r. ■ 4. ^. 1 Com. of Correspondence, Inspec- 

the major part of them be instructed ^. o c, ^ ^ -^ ^ / c., 
. , , , tion & Safety. Dea, Crocker. Saml 

to give passes to such -vessels as may ^ , ^ , ^ . ^.. t^, . 

. ^ ^, . -^ r, /T X X- N . Crocker John Lewis, Eli Phinney, 
come into this harbour (1st time) m ^ u tt ,, x 
^ . ^ Joseph Hallet 

stress of weather or on business to 

go out again if said Committee safe Com. to state "grievances this 
for them to depart & also to give Town labour under in general, & why 
passes to such persons as shall want P^^i'sons are taken by an armed force 
to go out of the harbour of this Town ^"<i any of them carried out of the 
with vessels on any business that County for tryal, without first being 
thev shall think proper for them to examined by the Committee of safe- 
go upon, and also for Committee to '^ & make report to the next Town 
determine when any person shall be meeting in order if the Town shall 
liable to pav a fine for not attend- "imk proper, they may present & 
ing his watch when named properly ^"mble petition to the General Court 
and to settle all other disputes that ^^i' Redress" 

may be layed before them by any ag- Then were chosen Eli Phinney, Esq 
grieved party That shall not inter- Marston, Capt Wm Taylor, Esq Dan- 
fere with the recommendation of iel Davis, Capt Ebenezer Jenkins, 
Congress — Voted, that the select- Capt. Sturgis Gorham and Mr. Sam- 
men be directed to look into the con- uel Crocker for the above purpose 
dition of the town stock and if there 22d May, 1776. Daniel Davis was 
be any deficiency, to make it up" chosen Representative. He was al- 

47 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

so Moderator. £ the Crocker quarrel 

Voted, that no com be carried out of Voted, to accept of the report of the 
Town (that is raised in the Town) above committee. 

by water Voted that Mr. Eli Phinney & the 

voted, to leave the conduct of Mr. Hon. Danl Davis Esq. be agents to 
Scudder's affair to the Selectmen present the petition for removal of 
Committee reported that was appoint- grievances to the General Court, and 
ed "to state the grievances this Town that Town Clerk give an attest 
labours under and the Report was ac- draught of the petition to Mr. Phin- 
cepted. i^gy 

Esq. Marston, Eli Phinney & Eben- Voted, to choose a Committee to cor- 
ezer Jenkins were appointed to pe- respond with the Committee of other 
tition the General Court for removal Towns for the redress of grievances 
of grievances. and Capt. Jenkins, Esq Marston & 

voted, to allow Edward Bacon, Esq Mr. .Joseph Davis were chosen for 
Acct for attending the General Court said purpose. 

in May 1774, it being eight Pounds, Selectmen reported that they had 
fifteen shillings offered old Peg to Mifs Russell & 

Voted, to Excuse Esq. Marston from Captn. Hinckley heirs & they refus- 
serving on the above Committee and ed to maintain her. 
Capt. Sturgis Gorham was chosen in Town meeting at East meeting 
his room house June 25, 1776, Eli Phinney was 

Voted, That the Selectmen be direct- elected Representative in room of 
ed to deliver Peg to Mifs Russell Daniel Davis, elected Councillor. 
Voted — To adjourn the meeting to Mr Phinney accepted, having been 
the Third day of July next to receive waited on by a Committee — George 
the petition the Committee were to Lewis, Nathan Jenkins & Silvanus 
draw for the removal of grievances. Hinckley. Esq. Marston chosen 

At the adjournment, July ye 3d 1776, Moderator. 

Town being again met, the Moderator Voted, Not to give any instructions 
being absent, Esq. Marston was chos- to the Representative with respect 
en Moderator. to Independence 

The committee who were to draw a ^'oted, that Miss Hetrerways 
petition to the General Court for re- house be cleaned & she be pd. for 
moval of grievances the Town labour her trouble in moving. Also to of- 
under and report to this meeting, re- fer Peg to Capt. Hinckley heirs & if 
P*^^'t^^- tliey won't support her, the Select- 

Voted, to hear Col Otis's apology. men are to take care of her 
Voted, not to hear that part of his Meeting July 23, 1776. Esq Mars- 
apologie relating to Abigail Freeman ton Moderator 

48 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Voted that the Town* will not take Crocker Town Clerk 
upon them to set a watch at Hian- Com. of Cor. & Inspection Daniel 
nas. Davis Capt Ebenezer Jenkins, Capt 

Voted, to read the vote of the Town Sturgis Gorham, Cop. Samll Crock- 
of the 25th of June last, respecting er, Mr. John Lewis. 
Independency. Voted, to choose a Com. to meet in 

To read Capt Gorhams request to the a county meeting in conjunction with 
Publick & Protest of Col. Otis et al. Corns, from other towns to consider 

At Town meeting at East M. H. the state of the country & petition 
July 29, 1776, Danl Davis Moderator, the Gen. Ct. as to County grievances 

To raise by hiring 173:6:8 with in which is the guardian of the rights 

terest for one year (except certain & liberties of the people — Daniel 
small sums already advanced by in- Davis, Edward Bacon, Nymphas 
dividuals) to be paid to 13 able-bod- Marston. Capt Ebenezer Jenkins 
ied men to serve in the army of the Com. 

United Colonies at 13:6:8 in addition Apl 15, 1777 Capt Ebenezer .Jen- 
7 pounds granted by the Colony. kins Moderator — Chose a Com of 

Oct. 9, 1776, at West M. H. Danl nine to wait on Com. of Gen. Ct. at 
Davis, Moderator was given consent Sandwich, desiring them to come to 
of Town to House <fe Council form- Barnstable if possible, and to lay be- 
ing a Constitution to be made pub- fore them difficulties of the Town & 
lick before ratification a number of persons therein, & to 

voted to have only one grammar support Town's petn petition & an- 
school swer memorial in opposition thereto 

Voted, to receive the powder Esq. Com. were chosen by paper, Ed Ba- 
Davis has purchased for this and to con, Nym Marston Mr. Benjn Cobb 
allow his acc't for the same, it being Capt. Prince Gorham, Ebenr Jenkins 
15 pounds Sturgis Gorham, Saml Crocker, Geo 

17th Dec. 1776. Danl Davis Modr Lewis, Mr. Jos Blish Jr; added to 
Voted that Selectmen be directed to Com. Dea. Jona. Crocker & Jacob 
offer 20 shillings a month to each Lovell 

soldier & non-comd officer enlisting May, 18, 1777. meeting at West 
for 3 mos. besides what is given by M. H. 

Gen. Ct. one month's pay when he Voted, that Town will strictly ad- 
marches, 2 months pay at expiration here to the q,ct for preventing mon- 
of 3 mos. service. opolies & oppression and that they 

Town Treasurer shall hire the money will use their influence that the same 
March 18, 1777 selectmen Daniel Da- shall be carried into execution within 
vis & Town Treasr Nymphas Mars- this town, 
ton Capt Ebenezer Jenkins.. Josiah Voted, that the Town raise four- 

49 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS . 

teen pounds for each man that shall ing year, yet as the time's in which 
engage for three years and ten pounds we are fallen are difficult & Distres- 
for each man- that shall engage for sing, we doubt not but that some In- 
ten months structions from your constituents 

May 20, 1777 at East M. H. Eben- will be very agreeable to you and as 
ezer Jenkins chose Representative, the settlement of a form of civil gov- 
Danl Davis was Moderator. "On a ernment will probably come under 
motion made and seconded whether your consideration, we advise and in- 
the Town would give their Represen- struct you, use your utmost endea- 
tative Instructions to proceed to the vours & influence that in such an 
settlement of a Constitution, agree- arduous & important undertaking, 
ably to a Resolve of the General. Everything be done with greatest 
Court of the 5th of May currant, the caution & deliberation — and as the 
question being put it passed in the other great affairs of Government 
negatives by a great majority. in this time of public distress & dan- 

Capt. Saml Crocker, Edw Bacon Esq ger may probably take up by far the 
Capt Saml Hinckley, Jos. Blish & greatest part of the time of the 
Capt. Saml Gorham chosen Com to General Court in providing for the 
Micah Hamblin, Barnabas Chipman, safety of this and other the United 
Thomas Crocker, Danl Basset & States of America and for the annoy- 
Nathl Lothrop com.es to procure men ance of the common enemy, we are 
for the Continental army. therefore naturally led to imagine 

May 13, 1777. Town met & ad- that if the settlement of a plan of 
journed from East M. H, to house of civil Government should be attempt- 
Cornelius Crocker, where report of ed by the General Court, so many un- 
Com. to instruct was read and accep forseen interruptions must take place 
ie. To Capt Ebenezer Jenkins. as will give the General Assembly 

As this Town did, on the 20th day much trouble and delay in that ardu- 
of May make choice of you to repre- ous undertaking: we are therefore of 
sent them in the Great & General the opinion that it might be the like- 
Court or Assembly of this State, ap- liest method of settling such a plan 
pointed to be held & Rept. at the of Government for the future as 
State House in Boston on the 28th might not only be done with the 
day of the same May & at their sev- greatest despatch, but might also give 
eral sessions the ensuing year. the greatest satisfaction to the good 

Notwithstanding our reliance on your people the inhabitants of this state 
wisdom, prudence & sound judgment if the same or a similar plan to that 
in all matters that may come under lately Recommended by many of the 
consideration in the House of Repre- Towns in the County of Worcester, 
sentatives in the course of the Ensu- should be adopted. 

50 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

There, we instruct you to use your thought proper to give you which we 
utmost endeavor and infhience that it ardently wish you to peruse for the 
be recommended by the General purposes abovesaid, in which and in 
Court to the several Towns or Coun- all other the important affairs of 
ties in this State, as soon as it may Government that must come before 
be to choose delegatee to meet in you, we sincerely wish you the di- 
Congress at such a place as may be vine guidance and direction — a pros- 
judged most convenient, for the sole perous journey and a safe return, 
purpose of forming a plan of civill dated at Barnstable ye twenty third 
government for this state; the same day of May AD. 1777 SAMUEL 
when by them compleated to be lade CROCKER per order" 
before their several constituents for Ebenezer Jenkins, Clerk pro tem. 
their approbation or amendment, and Meeting at E. M. H. Ny Marston 
when the sense of the several Towns Modr 

in this state on the aforesaid pro- Voted to have one grammar school- 
posed plan can be fairly and fully to raise 400 pounds for Town charg- 
had (suitable time being allowed es present year. 

them therefor) the same, to gether Chose as a Committee to supply 
with the proposed plan of Govern- the families of soldiers that are in 
ment to be recommitted to the afore- the Continental service with neces- 
said delegates, that so out of the saries, agreeable to a resolve of the 
whole of the materials so collected General Court, ^Messrs John Lewis, 
they may be able to settle a plan for Micah Hamblin, Sturgis Gorham, Jos- 
a permanent Constitution as nearly epb Bursley, Thomas Cocker & Jos- 
as may be to the sentiments of the eph Hallet 

whole people, at their second meet- Voted, to choose a Committee to draw 
ing for that purpose — But if it up a petition to the General Court 
should appear to said Congress at relative to the act for calling in this 
their said Second meeting when the State's money, it being grievous and 
Sentiments of the Gopd people of alarming to the people. Committee 
the State has been thus fairly & ful- chosen, were Esqs. Marston & Bacon 
ly collected that alterations ^and & -^Ii'- Joseph Davis, whose report 
amendments are necessary to be was accepted and forwarded to the 
made, then and in the case we wish Representative to support 
the same to be laid before their con- Voted, that Molly Lovell, Rebecca 
stituents the second time for their Adams & Munroe's wife are left to 
consideration and sentiments thereon the discretion of the Selectmen. 
before it be returned to the Genl Meeting at E. M. H. 23d Feb. 1778 
Court for their approbation & Confir- N. Marston Moderator, 
mation — These hints, Sir, we have ^'oted that selectmen & Com. Cor- 

51 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS j 

respondence be directed to enlist ttie family 

men that are wanting to make up the Mr Jethro Thacher to supply family 

Town's part of the Continental ar- of Benjn Backford 

my for two years if they can, but if Mr Thomas Annable to supply family 

they cannot, they are to enlist them of Jabez Hinckley 

for 8 months. Mr Ebenezer Hinckley to supply fam- 

To choose a committee to hire under iiy of Beuj. Lumbart 

direction of aforesaid, ie. Thomas Dea. Job Crocker to supply family 

Crocker, Micah Hamblin & Isaac of Micah Deagle 

Bacon. Mr. Daniel Carpenter to supply fam- 

That the Selectmen and Com. of ily of Screech's wife 
Correspondence procure the money to Lieut Joseph Blish to supply family 
raise the men, to be provided for in oi Nathan Fuller 

next Tax list. Adjourned meeting April 1st Edwd 

March 24, 1778, at Daniel Davis Mod Bacon Moderator. 

Selectmen & Com. of Cor, Inspec- Voted, not to act on 4th Article in 
tion & safety, Danl Davis, also Treasr Warrant respecting coming into any 
Nymphas Marston Capt Ebenr Jen- measures for the raising of men for 
kins Town Clerk Josiah Crocker Guards to the Troops of the Con- 
Capt. Sturgis Gorham had leave to vention at Cambridge, further than 
build a wharf 40 ft. long 30 wide at what is mentioned in the resolve of 
Town's Landing, Lewis Cove at the At Town meeting held at West M. 
Hiannas H. April 8, 1778 Nym. Marston Esq. 

That the Selectmen & Com, be di- ^'^^ Moderator. "Voted that a Com. 
rected to find out how much the ^e chosen to take into Consideration 
Town is deficient in making up the a» affair relative to a straggling per- 
quota for the Continental army & to ^on & report. Then chosen for 
procure so many men as they shall sibove purpose Esq. Bacon, Capt 
find wanting on the best terms they Samuel Hinckley & Samuel Crock- 
can, to hire the money which is to be ^r, who made their report & the 
raised in next town tax. Towh voted to accept of the same. 

Selectmen shall proceed agreeably Voted that Col. Edward Bacon & 
to the resolves of the General Court Capt Jenkins be a committee to lay 
for procuring the Soldiers clothing, ^lie same before the attorney Gener- 
Voted to add more men to Com. ^^ for this State or the States Attor- 
that were to supply the families of i^ey for this County. The report is 
Continentnl soldiers with necessaries, ^^ file" — 

agreeable to a resolve of General J^^ay 12, 1778 at West M. H. Col. Ed- 
Court for sd. purpose ie. Mr Benjn ^ard Bacon & Capt. Ebenezer Jen- 
Cobb to supply Mr. James Lothrop's l^ins chosen Representatives when 

52 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

meeting was adjourned half an hour v/as voted, to make another addition 
and Ebenr Jenltins being excused at of forty shillings per month to those 
his own request, Capt Sturgis Gor- men who will enlist Peekskill, mak- 
ham chosen in his room. jng in the whole fourteen pounds per 

May 12, 1778 at meeting at West month, including wages & bounty. 
]\I. H. after choosing Ed Bacon & ^"oted, to choose a committee to as- 
Pturgis Gorham Rep's, Dan'l Davis sist the Selectmen & Com. to get 
was elected Moderator. Adjd to the men for peekskill and Provi- 
May 14 at adjt, again adjd to next deuce & the Town will see them 
Monday at Court House at 9 o'Clock paid for their trouble, they making a 
"and the Militia, both in the alarm return of their doings at the ad- 
list and Training Band be mustered journment of this meeting. Then 
at that time & place. — May 19th were chosen for the above purpose, 

voted to make up the Soldiers wa- Messrs Thomas Horner, Barnabas 
ges that will enlist to go to Peeks- Chipman, Samuel Linnell, Benjamin 
kill the three months, the sum of ten Gorham Jr, Zaccheus Howland & 
pounds per month, including the Capt Wm Taylor. 

v/ages & bounty allowed by the Voted, to chuse a Committee to look 
State. Then the Town adjourned into the Constitution and plan of Gov- 
for one hour to the same place & ernment and report to the Town, 
being again met. Voted, that in Then were chosen for said purpose, 
case the Selectmen «6; Com. draught Shearjashub Bourne Esq, Capt. Saml 
the men to go to Peekskill that they Crocker & Capt. Prince Gorham. 
shall be entitled to the same allow- Then voted to adjourn this meeting 
ance as if they were enlisted as to the West Meeting House to 
f/Dove, that is, all those that do Thursday next at four o'clock, 
actually go into the service. At the adjournment, i\Iay ye 28th 

Voted to make up the soldiers 1778, the Town being met, they made 
•^ages that are to go to Providence choice of Mr. Barnabas Chipman for 
the sum of eight pounds per month Moderator. The Committee that 
to allow them four pounds per month were chosen to assist the Selectmen 
besides what the State allows. & the Committee «S:c. for to enlist 

Voted, to add forty shillings per men for Peekhkill & Providence re- 
r-ionth to the Peekskill men in case ported that they had made trial to 
they will enlist. enlyst men, but could not get any 

Voted to adjourn this meeting to Voted, that the above Committee still 
Wednesday next at nine o'clock at continue their endeavors to get the 
the Court House, men that are called for," 

At which time, meeting was adjourn- Voted, that Messrs. Shearj Bourne, 
ed to East M. H. at 3 P. M. when it be a Committee to prefer a petition to 

53 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

the Great and General Court, setting Barnstable, June ye lOth, 1778 
forth the difficulties attending the S. Bourne, per order, 

-raising of men in the Town of Barn- At Town Meeting at Bl. June 10, 
stable for the present services re- 177S. The town voted to make an 
quired and also showing forth the addition of 6 pounds per month to 
Sums of money voted by said Town those men that inlist or that are 
to each able bodied man that will en- draughted to go to Providence, they 
gage in said service and the con- actually performing said service 
tinuance of their exertion for that Dec. 16, 1778, at East M. 26. Nym- 
purpose until sd. men are raised also Phas Marston Moderator— Voted, to 
praying for the continuation of the raise 1300 pounds for town charges, 
State Bounty and also that the fines the present .year. 

of the Selectmen and Town may be Voted, to act on the request of a 
remitted, if any failure should hap- number of freeholders relative to a 
pen after their most vigorous exer- petition exhibited to the General 
tions for effecting the same, although Court against Edward Bacon Esq. 
the set time for raising them may be Representative of this Town, 
elapsed. Voted, to chuse a Committee to draw 

May 28, 1778, the Committee upon up some votes relative to the above 
Constitution & form of Government sd. request. Com. were Capt. Saml 
made a verbal report. Nymphas Crocker, Lieut Joseph Blish & Mr 
Marston, Moderator Joseph Hallet. Their report was 

"Then the Town made choice of Law- accepted & ordered to be recorded 
yer Bourne, Capt. Saml Crocker & and forwarded to Representatives to 
Capt Prince Gorham to draw in- be laid before the House. It is as 
structions for the Representatives & follows 

report. Their report (accepted) is "At a Town Meeting &c. held at 
as follows — Barnstable on the 16th day of Dec. 

The Committee, therefore, in pursu- 1"78, the Town taking up the sub- 
ance to the Town's order, do report, Ject matter of an attested copy of a 
that as there was a great majority paper purporting, to be a remon- 
of votes, to wit fifty nine against, strance & petition against Edward 
and but ten for sd. plan of Const itu- Bacon Esq. addrest to the Hon House 
tion, the same must be rejected of Representatives praying he the sd. 
agreeable to the resolve accompany- Edward Bacon Esq. may be excluded 
ing the said Constitution and the from the publick Councils forever, to 
Representatives for sd. Town be in- which paper is affixed the names of 
structed not to give voice for the Joseph Otis Esq and twentj^-eight 
same until the further order of the others; after hearing all parties and 
Town. tluly and patiently considering the 

54 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

same that it is the opinion of this day there has been any backwardness 
community that the said paper con- but on the Contrary; the said Edwd 
tains the most unjustifiable & injur- Bacon Esq has appeared as forward 
ious reflections, not only on the po- for raising men and money for the 
litical character of Edward Bacon, service as any other person in Town 
but on the loyal inhabitants of the and many more so, if possible, when 
Town of Barnstable. the public demand has boen very ur- 

"Voted 2d It appears to this Com- gent. 

mittee that the said Edwd Bacon Voted 7th that it is the opinion of 
Esq was elected to represent said this Committee that the Subject mat- 
Town in as fair, free and full a man- ter in said petition contained is a 
mer as is usual in this or can possi- malicious & injurious libel on the po- 
bly be in any other town in this litical character of the said Edwd 
State and in as full a town meeting Bacon Esq. & calculated merely to 
as is common on such occasions, he stir up strife, animosity & discord iu 
having a large majority of the suf- this Town & County & if possible, 
frages of the people present at said to destroy his influence in the same; 
meeting. and therefore pray the Humble House 

3. Voted, that if we had imagined of Representatives to dismiss tho 
that the said Edwd Bacon Esq deser- same as groundless, scandalous & 
ved the opprobrious character given vexatious, 
him said petition, we should have Saml Crocker 

been much readier to have prosecuted Joseph Blish 

him on the laws of this state as an Joseph Hallet" 

enemy to his Country than to have "Voted to choose a Committee for a 
elected him as our Representative. County Convention with full powers 
Voted 4th That it appears to this to invite the other towns in the 
Committee that the several charges County to accede to the same and 
proceed rather from an old family also to appoint time & place for 
quarrel & was the effect of envy meeting, in order to consider the state 
rather than matters of truth and so- of the country at large & preff-r such 
briety or any view to the publick petition to the Great and General 
good. Court for the abatement of sd. Coun- 

Voted 0. That it appears to this ty's quota of men for public services 
Committee that the said peitition was abroad, in consideration of the situ- 
very unjustly and surreptitiously ob- ation and present circumstances of 
tained. sd. County & for any other matters 

Voted 6. That it does not appear and things as may be agreed on by 
to this Committee that from the be- the major part of the Towns that 
ginning of the present war to this may be so met and assembled & to 

55 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

do any other matter or thing consis- p. 105 selectmen's acct of clothing 
tent with the public good and s,afe- procured for army 354:10:6 
ty in general and of the County in p. 106 Dr. Saml Savage's acct for ser- 
particular, as to them may appear vice to Town Poor 13:6:11 
reasonable and Necessary." p. 106 "That the Selectmen farm out 

The Com. were Capt. Samuel such of the poor as to them seem 
Crocker, Mr. Joseph Blish, Joseph best" 

Hallet, Edward Bacon Esq, Sheariash- To allow Mr James Bacon for killing 
ub Bourne Esq Mr. Bleazer Scudder foxes 1:8:0 

& Capt James Davis. - March 31, 1779 Edwd Bacon Mod- 

Voted that the Representatives of the erator. 

Town be directed to use their influ- voted to raise 450 pounds for one 
ence at the General Court that the grammar & other schools for 6 mos. 
report of the Honble Committee of 3 agents were chosen for the East- 
the General Court that sat at this ward part of the Town along street" 
Town to hear and settle grievances 3 agents were chosen for the west- 
in Aprill 1777 be reviewed, acted up- ward part of the Town below the 
on, accepted and confirmed. v/oodlots" 

Voted to allow Nyms Marston Esq 3 do chosen for above the wood-lots" 
account for cash which he advanced Voted "that the guns which are in 
for the Town in paying the soldiers the hands of Capt Sturgis Gorham, 
with interest for the same; the ac- for which he has paid the board of 
count, being, exclusive of interest war, the Selectmen sell so many of 
191:13:4 them at publick auction to the inhabi- 

page 100 various accts allowf d for tants of the Town as soon as may be, 
services in raising troops and for sup- so as to pay Capt. Gorham for the 
plies furnished continental soldiers money he advanced & charges & no 
families ie. of Jabez Hinckle.y, Micah more and the guns that remain be 
Deagle, Enoch Crocker, Richard deposited in hands of the Selectmen 
Creech, Benjn Blachford, Benj Lum- for Town Stock for them to distrib- 
bart, Daniel Vanderpool, Robert ute to such poor persons as have 
Cary for Abi*gail Sturgis & child, none on any sudden emergency, and 
Mary Lovell and nurse, whole for the people that have them to re- 
amounting to 300 pounds or more. turn them to the selectmen as soon 
(see also page 104 for ib; as the expedition is over for which 

March 18, 1779. (Town meeting) Ed- they were delivered 
ward Bacon was chosen Represent. May 20, 1779 E. Bacon chosen Rep. 
Nymphas Marston elected Moderator, (as also at March meeting) 
Selectmen Edward Bacon Deacon Nymphas Marston, Moderator 
Jonathan Crocker Mr Thos Crocker Voted, That the Town does not 

56 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

choose at this time to have a new aspersions & that these very inter- 
constitution and form of Government esting matters & the State of the 
made. There were 56 nays and 2 Town may be taken up at large and 
yeas. that the true reasons of the present 

Bounty of 6 shillings on foxes (d_e- difficulties now subsisting in this 
preciation of 30 per) once happy town may be fairly & ful- 

Voted, to choose a committee to at- ly stated & such constitutional mea- 
tempt the settlement of peace and sures adopted as the Town may judge 
tranquility among the Inhabitants of proper for vindicating the Honor of 
sd. Town and adopt some proper the Town, together with their just 
measures for vindicating their honor rights and privileges, 
and innocence to the political fath- Then were chosen for the above pur- 
ers of the State. Then was chosen pose, Nymphas Marston Capt Stur- 
for sd. purpose Nj-^m. Marston Esq, gis Gorham, Capt. Saml Crocker, 
Brigadier Otis, Capt Sturgis Gor- Capt Samll Hinckley and Isaac Hinck- 
ham, the Hon Daniel Davis Esq & ley Esq, voted the above Committee 
Capt. Saml Crocker sit immediately & report. The 

voted that Esq. Davis be chairman Town accepted their report and Vot- 
of the above Committee. ed to chuse a committee for purpos- 

July 6, 1779 es in the above report mentioned & 

page 110 that it consist of seven. Then were 

Voted to chuse a committee to con- chosen Shearjb Bourne Esq, Capt 
sider the request of more ten free- Samll Crocker, Dr Samll Savage, 
holders, inhabitants of sd. Town, set- Capt. Sturgis Gorham, Col. David 
ting forth that sundry persons Gorham, Nymphas Marston, Esq., & 
among ourselves together with some Capt Samll Hinckley. Voted to add 
others, have been attempting to un- two more to the Committee then were 
dermine & destroy the invaluable chosen Isaac Hinckley Esq. & Mr. 
right of free election & representa- Joseph Hallet 

tion in the Government immediately Voted, that the above mentioned re- 
over us, whereby our late Represen- port of the Committee be deposited 
tative has been deprived of a seat in in the hands of Capt. Sturgis Gor- 
the Honbl House of Representatives ham till further order of the Town. 
& that the loyal & faithful inhabi- Voted, not to proceed to the choice 
tants of sd Town not having as yet of a Representative 
had opportunity either by their rep- Town Meeting, March 29, 1780 p 119 
resentative or agents specially ap- Col. Bacon Moderator 
pointed for that purpose to vindicate "Voted, that the Report of the Town's 
themselves or their late representa- Committee of the 6th of July AD. 
tive from those unjust & injurious 1779 chosen to take into considera- 

57 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

tion the unhappy state of this Town, subjects of the same so long as they 
be recorded in the Town Book of can enjoy its protection and their 
Records by the Town Clerk. constitutional rights 

The report is as follows — Voted 2d That it is the opinion of 

Att a Town Meeting legally warned this Town that Edw Bacon Esq, our 
& held at Barnstable on the 6th day late Representative was excluded 
of July A.D. 1779 — from a seat in the present House of 

The Committee appointed to take in- Representatives by the artful and un- 
to consideration the present unhappy just insinuations of ambitious men 
situation of this town, the peace & who procured a petition 'against our 
happiness whereof having been of late Representative, which, together 
late greatly disturbed & injui-ed by with the way and manner of his ex- 
the unjust conduct & misrepresenta- elusion, we cannot but view as a 
tion of ambitious, arftul. & weak or grievance and dangerous to the very 
wicked men, in consequence whereof being of a free people — the just 
Edward Bacon Esq, our late Repre- grounds and reasons of such exclu- 
sentative, has been excluded from a sion, we confess ourselves at present 
seat in the Honorble House of Rep- wholly unable to comprehend, unless 
resentatives in a very extraordinary the sd Edwd Bacon Esq by any un- 
manner — beg leave to report the due conduct after his election in May 
following votes for the consideration last rendered hmiself unworthy of a 
and acceptance of the Town, subject seat in the Honble House. 
to such alteration & amendment as voted od That we have by long ex- 
may be judged proper. perience found him the sd Edwd Ba- 
in the first place voted, that notwith- con Esq. in our best judgment to be 
standing the illiberal abuse and slan- a steady, unremitting zeal in our 
der which the inhabitants of this townCountris cause & that he has on all 
have so long laboured & even groan- occasions since the Commencement 
ed under, in consequence of the mis- of hostilities between Great Britain 
representation of certain persons and the United States of America 
whose importance in Government they been ready to afford us his best ad- 
may imagine almost wholly depends vice & assistance in raising men & 
upon veiling others to keep them- money for carrying on the war with 
selves & their connections in office, Ihe enemy and in justice to him & 
the Inhabitants of this Town embrace to ourselves we must declare to the 
the opportunity to declare that they ^vorld, we know of no person among 
bear all good faith & true allegiance us, let his office or character be what 
to the State of Massachusetts Bay it may that has shown greater zeal 
in New England and shall zealously for the defence & safety of his coun- 
and faithfully continue to be loyal '-JT, notwithstanding what may have- 

58 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

been suggested or declared against but that a large and respectable Com- 
him by artful & ambitious men & mittee be appointed to prefer & es- 
not withstanding his timidity previous tablish a petition to the Honble 
to the commencement of hostilities. House, setting forth the true reasons 
when this country was considered by of the difficulties now subsisting in 
many as in its infancy as to the art this ouce happy Town and the injus- 
of war with its sling and stone & tifiable conduct of those persons who 
unable to contend in arms with a have been the promoters & abettors 
powerful Nation armed at all points of those petitioners and slanderers 
at whose angry word even the most of the faithful and loyal inhabitants 
wiivllke nations trembled, but since of this Town, who if they could but 
war has hung out its bloody flag & enjoy rights & privileges in common 
unjusily driven by our inveterate ene- with their fellow subjects should en- 
mies to the only alternative of flying joy a happiness to them very much 
to arms for the security of our just unknown of late & equal to the most 
rigliLS & Privileges, we must serious- sanguine wishes & that sd. Commit- 
]y repeat it, we know of no person tee Petition the Hon. House of Rep- 
in this Town, who has appeared more resentatives as soon as may be for 
steadily & uniformly attached to his the aforesd important purposes, and 
country' cause. also petition the Hon. House of Rep- 

Wherefore: voted,4thly as the opinion resentatives that their vote of exclu- 
of this Town that the of the Sd. Ed- sion of Edward Bacon Esq may be 
vvard Bacon Esq. from a seat in the reconsidered or totally annulled & 
}:!on. House of Representatives is not that this Town may be represented 
only an infraction on the natural at the Court by the person of her 
rights of men, but in its tendency & 0">i choice in whose honor and fidel- 
consequences does to us appear ex- ity to this & the United States of 
tremely dangerous to the Constitu- America, as well as in his abilities, 
tional Mghts of any people who can ^'^ can place the strongest confi- 
still boast of any remaining free- dence" 

dom worth contending for — Recorded according to order, & 

Resolved f thly That it is the opin- compd attest 

ion of this Town that they cannot do Ebenr Bacon Town Clerk 

justice to this Country, to the natu- At a Town Meeting legally warned 
ral rights ol man, to themselves and ^ h^W at the West M. H. in Be. on 
posterity, at present proceed to the J'^ 3d day of Feb. A. D. 1778, Nym- 
choice of a representative in the Ph^s Marston Esq was chose Mode- 
room of Edward Bacon who is said rator. Then the Town proceeded to 
to be excluded for the present from a the business agreeable to the War- 
seat in the House of Representatives, ^'^nt on file. 

59 



BARNSTABLE TOWN RECORDS 

Voted, to chuse a Committee to take ^ut report in fact was given in at a 

into consideration the articles of Con- town meeting in East M. H, Feb. 23d 

federation & perpetual union be- 1778 - page 83 vol. 3. 

tween the United States of America, mem 

agreed on by the Hon. Continental ^^ .^^^^^^^ ^^.^ ^^^^^i^^ ^^ ^^^^^^ g^ 

Congress and report at the adjourn- -^gg^ ^^^^^ .^.^^^ ^^^ promoting in- 

ment of this meeting dustry &c. 

Voted, that the above Committee con- „ ^ ^ ' „ ,„^„ , ^, ^ 

. ^ ' . „^ V, „ & of Sept. 28, 1768 whether Town 

sist of five. Then were chosen for . , ' ^ „ 

„, , T-, -n will send to meet Boston Com & c. 

said purpose, Edward Bacon Esq. 
Nymphas Marston Esq. Messrs Sam- ^^^^^^^^e both) 

uel Crocker, Joseph Davis and Thom- Instructions to D. Davis Sept. 2& 
as Crocker. ^'^^^ 

Voted to adjourn this meeting to the Instructions to Ed. Bacon May 10, 
annual meeting in March next. 1773 Look in Gazette for. 



16 \mz 

LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



014 013 311 5 # 



